Overview
She was 14 years old and looking for a friend. She was continuously picked on . So, when an older classmate approached her with friendship, she thought that finally things were going her way. Sacharay, as she would like to be known, got to be very close with her new friend. One day her friend suggested that they skip school and go have some fun. Sacharay agreed. They went down to the local barber shop. Once she walked in, her life would never be the same. Sacharay’s new “friend” introduced her to a group of guys who would become her traffickers. One man, immediately began bringing her gifts, showering her with compliments, offering advice on the struggles of high school, and pressuring her to have sex. His subtle mix of seductive romance and parental guidance wrecked havoc on her adolescence. He next asked for favors from Sacharay, specifically, helping him make some money by sleeping with another man. At first it was one strange, older man, then two, then three, At first she felt special, then she felt abused. It didn’t stop at three. Matters continued to escalate. Soon, Sacharay was being sold to 40 different men in one day. She was in pain. She was emotionally and physically exhausted. When she told her trafficker that she couldn’t do it anymore, he loaded his gun and warned her that he is always watching. Tattoos of the pimp’s logo remind her that she is nothing more than a piece of property. Don’t let this be your story.
What if this story were a reality for you? Human Trafficking is the practice or action of illegal transporting people to different parts of the country for sexual favors or forced labor. Human trafficking is someone forcing someone else to do their dirty work. Human trafficking is also considered slavery because slavery is someone forcing someone else to do something. Many think that slavery ended in the United States in 1865, however this assumption is far from reality. The amount of slaves has increased drastically since slavery was abolished. The average number of slaves trafficked across seas used to be around 12.5 million African Americans, in today’s world this number has increased to around 20 million men, women and children. Somewhere between 14,000 to just over 17,000 humans are trafficked into the U.S each year.Though these numbers are just a small portion of USA's population, if you put things in an international standpoint, the number grows. Nearly 600,000 people are being trafficked across international borders. Around 480,000 of them are females, and 300,000 of those are children. These people are ripped away from their lives and are sent to be controlled and degraded by their purchaser. Many of the slaves who are being trafficked come from a broken home and are simply looking for someone to care for them. However those who are involved with human trafficking sell these people for around $90 U.S dollars. Traffickers do not care about their victims, their sole purpose is to gain money from it. This could be you.
There are steps you take to not make yourself a victim of human slavery. First step, is to make sure you pay attention to your surroundings. Don’t be walking around on your phone or daydreaming. If you are in a group, stay in that group. You are less likely to be a target like that. Traffickers want to get you alone or catch you with your guard down. Also, traffickers want people that are vulnerable or look weak, someone that will not put up a fight. So make yourself look stronger than you are. I’m not saying turn into a Mr. Bad Boy, but look around and keep eye contact with people and walk with a purpose. Or just know where you are going.
Secondly, if you think someone is after you or chasing you, call 911. better to be safe than sorry. Don’t text your friend or significant other saying “I think someone is following me.” They can’t do anything, they don’t know where you are. They are not a superhero from windows to knock out the bad guys. Also, if you feel someone following you, try to walk with someone else in your area. Traffickers are less likely going to get you if you are not alone.
If worst comes to worst and you are in an altercation with the kidnapper, make sure you focus on what’s not being held down. Let’s stay he grabs you and flips you over his shoulder. Yes, you may not have your legs to kick but you have your fists to punch into his back and head. Always scream, this helps alert people around you. Just remember to use what’s available to you.
Lastly, your main goal is to get away from the kidnapper, not to win the fight. Don’t get mad and want to beat the snot out of your attacker. If you get away, take that leftover adrenaline and run for your life because in reality that what you're doing, running for your life. Running for your freedom. So run. But if you do get caught their are people out there that can help you.
There is a program through Homeland Security called the Blue Campaign. The Blue Campaign is the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's way to combat human trafficking through partnerships to help educate the population on how to report such instances, and offers training to local police forces to help stop human trafficking before it happens. The Blue Campaign’s help doesn't stop at U.S. Citizens, they also train enforcement officers in how to protect immigrants that may be at risk for becoming a human trafficking case. They also do not keep quiet about the issues that people have come forward about. They share other victims stories to help save others; No one is save until everyone is safe. The Blue Campaign is just one example of an organization working tirelessly to end trafficking. The Polaris Project helps rescue and restore freedom to victims, while spreading awareness and prevention initiatives. The Hope Project is another outreach program helping to educate communities and even opened a home in West Michigan for girls ages 11-17 who have been removed from sex trafficking.
Although, many people work very hard to end trafficking, not everyone believes it should be a priority. In 2013, 5 senators (including Jeff Sessions) voted against reauthorizing the Trafficking Victims Protection Act which would have helped investigate and prevent trafficking, along with ensuring federal funds are used for their intended purpose. Senator Johnson, who also voted against it, claimed this could be bad for businesses who tried to cover up the crimes. This is why all of us need to stand up, spread awareness, and learn how to protect yourself and those you care about. Thanks to government authorities, charity organizations, and most importantly, people like you that Sacharay and millions of other victims have been rescued and rehabilitated.
Remember, if you ever find yourself in/viewing a human trafficking situation, or you suspect someone is a victim/abusing others, please immediately call the U.S. Department of Homeland Security- Blue Campaign at 1-866-347-2423 or 911 if you are in immediate, grave danger. To get help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline, please call 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733). These numbers are definitely worth adding to your phone.
What if this story were a reality for you? Human Trafficking is the practice or action of illegal transporting people to different parts of the country for sexual favors or forced labor. Human trafficking is someone forcing someone else to do their dirty work. Human trafficking is also considered slavery because slavery is someone forcing someone else to do something. Many think that slavery ended in the United States in 1865, however this assumption is far from reality. The amount of slaves has increased drastically since slavery was abolished. The average number of slaves trafficked across seas used to be around 12.5 million African Americans, in today’s world this number has increased to around 20 million men, women and children. Somewhere between 14,000 to just over 17,000 humans are trafficked into the U.S each year.Though these numbers are just a small portion of USA's population, if you put things in an international standpoint, the number grows. Nearly 600,000 people are being trafficked across international borders. Around 480,000 of them are females, and 300,000 of those are children. These people are ripped away from their lives and are sent to be controlled and degraded by their purchaser. Many of the slaves who are being trafficked come from a broken home and are simply looking for someone to care for them. However those who are involved with human trafficking sell these people for around $90 U.S dollars. Traffickers do not care about their victims, their sole purpose is to gain money from it. This could be you.
There are steps you take to not make yourself a victim of human slavery. First step, is to make sure you pay attention to your surroundings. Don’t be walking around on your phone or daydreaming. If you are in a group, stay in that group. You are less likely to be a target like that. Traffickers want to get you alone or catch you with your guard down. Also, traffickers want people that are vulnerable or look weak, someone that will not put up a fight. So make yourself look stronger than you are. I’m not saying turn into a Mr. Bad Boy, but look around and keep eye contact with people and walk with a purpose. Or just know where you are going.
Secondly, if you think someone is after you or chasing you, call 911. better to be safe than sorry. Don’t text your friend or significant other saying “I think someone is following me.” They can’t do anything, they don’t know where you are. They are not a superhero from windows to knock out the bad guys. Also, if you feel someone following you, try to walk with someone else in your area. Traffickers are less likely going to get you if you are not alone.
If worst comes to worst and you are in an altercation with the kidnapper, make sure you focus on what’s not being held down. Let’s stay he grabs you and flips you over his shoulder. Yes, you may not have your legs to kick but you have your fists to punch into his back and head. Always scream, this helps alert people around you. Just remember to use what’s available to you.
Lastly, your main goal is to get away from the kidnapper, not to win the fight. Don’t get mad and want to beat the snot out of your attacker. If you get away, take that leftover adrenaline and run for your life because in reality that what you're doing, running for your life. Running for your freedom. So run. But if you do get caught their are people out there that can help you.
There is a program through Homeland Security called the Blue Campaign. The Blue Campaign is the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's way to combat human trafficking through partnerships to help educate the population on how to report such instances, and offers training to local police forces to help stop human trafficking before it happens. The Blue Campaign’s help doesn't stop at U.S. Citizens, they also train enforcement officers in how to protect immigrants that may be at risk for becoming a human trafficking case. They also do not keep quiet about the issues that people have come forward about. They share other victims stories to help save others; No one is save until everyone is safe. The Blue Campaign is just one example of an organization working tirelessly to end trafficking. The Polaris Project helps rescue and restore freedom to victims, while spreading awareness and prevention initiatives. The Hope Project is another outreach program helping to educate communities and even opened a home in West Michigan for girls ages 11-17 who have been removed from sex trafficking.
Although, many people work very hard to end trafficking, not everyone believes it should be a priority. In 2013, 5 senators (including Jeff Sessions) voted against reauthorizing the Trafficking Victims Protection Act which would have helped investigate and prevent trafficking, along with ensuring federal funds are used for their intended purpose. Senator Johnson, who also voted against it, claimed this could be bad for businesses who tried to cover up the crimes. This is why all of us need to stand up, spread awareness, and learn how to protect yourself and those you care about. Thanks to government authorities, charity organizations, and most importantly, people like you that Sacharay and millions of other victims have been rescued and rehabilitated.
Remember, if you ever find yourself in/viewing a human trafficking situation, or you suspect someone is a victim/abusing others, please immediately call the U.S. Department of Homeland Security- Blue Campaign at 1-866-347-2423 or 911 if you are in immediate, grave danger. To get help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline, please call 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733). These numbers are definitely worth adding to your phone.
Featured Resource
Learn More :
Human Trafficking: Modern Day Slavery in America
Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking: Inside The $150 Billion Dollar Industry
Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking: Inside The $150 Billion Dollar Industry
Join The Conversation
Do you have any tips for fellow readers?
How should the government be involved in the issue of human trafficking?
Leave a comment below or use #ROnow17HTSpeaks on Twitter
Do you have any tips for fellow readers?
How should the government be involved in the issue of human trafficking?
Leave a comment below or use #ROnow17HTSpeaks on Twitter