Monday, January 11, 2010

January 11 is Human Trafficking Awareness Day

Human Trafficking Awareness Day is January 11, 2010. For those who thought slavery had been abolished think again. According to the National Council of Churches the trafficking of humans is the "fastest growing criminal activity in the world." And it isn’t just a global problem. In this country, the subject is broached in criminal justice degree online programs and at police departments nationwide.

We would like to think that human trafficking doesn't happen here but only 2 years ago we helped a trafficking victim in Knoxville. This is only one out of the who knows how many that are here. Most cannot leave to get help. Some are under 24/7 watch.

Another girl came to use a few times for pantry food boxes. Her "boyfriend" was always in the car outside. She would look in our thrift shop but never had money to buy anything and she was always coughing. His initials were tattooed onto her neck.

Now I realize that she too may have been a victim of human trafficking.

Links for more information:

National Human Trafficking Resource Center 1-888-3737-888
Change.Org National Human Trafficking Awareness Day
Symptoms of Human Trafficking
Approaches to Trafficking in Persons

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