Posted by Joan Ga on Jun 07, 2017
Our club recently learned more about this critical issue in order to help combat it. Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit other person sexually or work-wise.  One estimate suggests there are 20.9 million individuals involved worldwide and 200,000 in US. Causes include the exploiting of vulnerabilities -poverty, abuse, mental illness, drug and alcohol addiction. Sources of contact -city streets, truck stops, strip clubs, hotels and motels, residential brothels and escort services, as well as via the Internet.
Many are runaways, abused youth; average age 12 to 14.
 
How to help:
  • Polaris "Be Free" textline - text "Be Free" or "Help" to 233733 
  • National hotline 888-373-7888
  • To report suspected trafficking 866-347-2423
  • http://Polaris.org
  • US Institute Against Human Trafficking - http://usiaht.org
  • Combat the demand
  • Raise awareness
  • Educate the youth
  • Disrupt pre-existing trafficking activities
  • Meet needs of victims wanting to leave the "life" Advocate for the victims
  • Collaborate with experts, feds, and law enforcement