YOU can fight trafficking…today!

It’s July 30, 2021. The World Day Against Trafficking in Persons.

But how can I fight human trafficking?  

It’s a question we are asked on a weekly basis.  The most attention in anti-trafficking spaces is given to the fancy rescues.  The helicopters are full of men in combat gear complete with night vision.  That is not something most of us are qualified to do.  

That’s valuable work.  When vulnerable people are in danger, trapped and under someone’s control, I am so grateful we have people trained and ready to go who can rescue them. 

However, the really difficult part to embrace is this: according to the Trafficking in Persons report, less than 1% of human trafficking victims are even identified annually, much less rescued.  

Conservative estimates would say there are around 25 million people caught in sex and labor trafficking today.  Many experts, however, would say it’s likely closer to 40 million.  

According to the State Department’s Trafficking in Persons Report, we only identified 109,216 victims of trafficking in 2020.  That’s between 0.27% and 0.44% depending on which number you use (25 or 40 million).

And who are these millions of people?  Statistically, they are or were vulnerable or orphaned children at one point in their life.  Children protected within a safe family are far less susceptible to this kind of exploitation.  Once separated from family, children are increasingly at risk for trafficking in either forced labor situations or sex trafficking.  

So before you get overwhelmed and call for the helicopters, let’s remember that each one counted is a real life.  A human being who is irreplaceable, never to be repeated, unique and one of a kind.  Caught in a spiral of vulnerability with very little hope of help.  

This is tragic.  It means we have work to do.  

Us. 

The non-night gear, non-helicopter types. 

You and me.  We have work to do.  

This also means there is good news. 

Promise!  We can actually shift this deal.  Here are six ways YOU can begin fighting trafficking today.  Yes, today!

1. Check your supply chain! 
   Take this survey to find out if human trafficking is hiding in the supply chain of your favorite products as they make their way into your very home.  When consumers begin to demand better supply chains, we can shift the dynamics for those currently in forced labor situations.  Don’t be overwhelmed at this, just try switching one out this month for an ethically sourced brand.  For example, Parker Clay would be one of our favorites for aesthetics alone!  Their beautiful bags are ethically made in Ethiopia, providing dignified employment to beautiful women there!  Or check out Sojourn Studio for some new jewelry.  If you’re looking to begin overhauling your closet, check out Wearwell, an ethical take on popular, stylized subscription boxes.  You can also shop for ethical clothing brands here! 

2. Support children in foster care! 
   Find a way to support foster families in your city!  In the US, 70% of human trafficking victims were once children in foster care.  By supporting children in foster care, you're fighting trafficking!  Check out The Archibald Project’s work on foster care, including their state-by-state guide to getting involved right where YOU live!

3. Use your voice! 
   Advocate alongside anti-trafficking efforts.  Our favorites are A21 and International Justice Mission, both working on large scale advocacy and partnership with governments to effect change!  If you’re looking for great people serving on the ground, check out the GCA teams serving in Thailand and Myanmar!  

4. Call for help! 
   Human trafficking happens right in front of our eyes, but we might never see it if we don't know the signs. Learn to identify red flags through the link in our bio. When you see a red flag at a truck stop or an airport, it is always better to be wrong than to be silent.  Learn the signs here!  Learn how to spot someone who might be at risk of trafficking.  If you suspect someone is in danger, call 888-373-7888 and report it!  Or text “Be free” 233733 - it’s easy to remember and effective!

5. Say NO to porn! 
   This one is awkward to write, but there is a direct correlation between pornography and human trafficking.  In fact, nearly HALF of human trafficking survivors recall pornography being made of them while they were in bondage.  The truth is that no one wins from pornography.  It is damaging to the abused and the user alike.  Its continued use perpetuates trafficking for vulnerable women and children.  Check out Fight the New Drug to learn more.

6. Prepare your kids! 
   Parents, you have important work to do!  Trafficking isn't just happening overseas in "other" countries and cities. It's here in the US, in YOUR city.Check out Shared Hope International to understand how traffickers seek to groom young people to make sure your children are prepared.  

   We each have a part to play in supporting orphaned and vulnerable children and preventing trafficking before it ever begins! Join us today!