A huge thanks to Bob Paulson for sharing this video with me. Bob and some of his colleagues at Triad Ladder of Hope are going to be sharing in a cultural event at Winthrop University in Dina’s Place, the campus theater, on Apirl 18th at 7 pm. We’re going to be hearing from Bob about human trafficking in our area and what we can do and we’ll also be watching the documentary, “Very Young Girls.”
While on our human trafficking seminar in New York City we watched some of this documentary and it was one of the most haunting and disturbing things I’ve seen. I don’t know how you could watch it and not feel something. Human trafficking happens all over the world, but it also happens right here in the United States. This isn’t some far away problem, but something that we can educate, advocate, and work to stop right here and around the world.
Sometimes, like you see in the video above, it just takes a phone call. A phone call could save a girl or a boys life. Call 1.888.373.7888, the Trafficking Information and Referral Hotline, if you think you have encountered a victim of trafficking.
Some questions to ask:
* What type of work do you do?
* Are you being paid?
* Can you leave your job if you want to?
* Can you come and go as you please?
* Have you or your family been threatened?
* What are your working and living conditions like?
* Where do you sleep and eat?
* Do you have to ask permission to eat/sleep/go to the bathroom?
* Are there locks on your doors/windows so you cannot get out?
* Has your identification or documentation been taken from you?
This cannot continue happening while people sit by and go about our day to day. Help spread the word. Make the call if you see signs (evidence of being controlled, evidence of inability to move or leave job, bruises or other signs of physical abuse, fear or depression, not speaking on own behalf, no identification or documentation with them).
This is a justice issue. This is a faith issue. This is something that the church needs to step up and take a stand on and actively pursue the things we say we believe like freeing the captives and walking alongside the poor, helpless, and trapped among us.
If you have any questions or would like more information about human trafficking, a good website is www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking.
Blessings on the Journey 