By Deborah Reed
WKTV Managing Editor
Human trafficking is a crime of exploitation that preys on the vulnerable.
This form of crime and abuse claims victims without discrimination. Traffickers will look for vulnerabilities in those of any age, race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, nationality, immigration status, cultural background, religion, socio-economic class, and education level.
With approximately 27.6 million victims worldwide at any given time, human traffickers profit at the expense of the victims by compelling them to perform labor or engage in commercial sex.
And the number of human trafficking incidents is rising.
“There’s definitely been an increase in the amount of [trafficking] incidents that have happened over the past several years,” said Kali Jackson, Cook Claus Residential Therapist, WCS. “The big thing that’s coming into play is technology.
“A lot of individuals are experiencing their first grooming incidents online.”
However, many times predators are much closer to home than people realize – and they are targeting children.
Trafficking is highly relational
Traffickers create relationships with their victims first.
“They become friends with them online, or it may even be a loved one or family member – but they have some sort of connection with that client,” said Jackson.
The predator must first know the victim’s needs in order to offer a solution and make the perpetrator appear safe. Often the most susceptible and vulnerable are children.
“We typically see individuals getting into trafficking between ages 12 and 16,” said Jackson.
Nearly half of child trafficking cases worldwide involve family members, with family involvement in child exploitation almost four times higher than in cases of adult trafficking.
Because of this, children may not recognize themselves as victims.
Even if they do, fear can prevent children from seeking help. Those fears can come from fear of law enforcement, fear of returning to an abusive home, of being deported, or of harm befalling their loved ones. Victims may also feel a sense of guilt or shame that causes them to remain silent.
It is also important to understand that, though many traffickers are male, women can also be perpetrators. Some traffickers work in groups consisting of both men and women.
The common denominator
Whether a child or an adult, vulnerability remains the common factor.
As the therapist for Wedgwood’s residential home that serves human trafficking victims ages 12-17, Jackson is no stranger to seeing that vulnerability firsthand.
“I’ve been in this position for four years, and every story is so unique,” said Jackson. “But the one thing always in common is that vulnerability.
“Every single one of my clients, when they talk about why they got into human trafficking, [say] they felt unloved, they felt vulnerable enough to allow anyone to give them that love and attention.”
A dysfunctional home life is one of the main catalysts for involvement in human trafficking.
“Maybe they’re running away from home, or they’re displaying images or messages online suggesting that they’re not happy at home,” said Jackson. “They’re looking to try to fill that void of the relationship they don’t have with their parents with anyone out there willing to give it to them.”
How can we stop the cycle?
Wedgwood Christian Services (WCS) is dedicated to preventing human trafficking by bringing awareness to the community and urging people to educate themselves on the dangers and signs of human trafficking.
Prevention of human trafficking, Jackson believes, begins in the home.
“It first starts with having, and modeling, positive relationships in the home,” said Jackson. “A lot of times when we see youth seek out that negative attention, it’s because they’re looking to fill that void they’re not getting in the home.”
Creating a safe space at home for children to give voice to their feelings is crucial.
Having open conversations with children about warning signs they should look for online is also essential.
Jackson urges parents to be aware of current street language, their children’s social media use, and who their children talk to.
Red flags to watch for can include changes in a youth’s personal hygiene, the amount of cash they have on them, and evidence of sexual activity.
Educate, educate, educate
Continual education regarding human trafficking is encouraged.
“This is a topic that continues to grow, and there’s more information on it all the time,” Jackson said.
Tip sheets provided by WCS can help with that education and understanding:
Prevention Through Empowerment
Resources for victims
Wedgwood’s Cook Claus Program, also known as Wedgwood’s Manasseh Project Trauma Recovery Center, is a local residential treatment program for victims of sex trafficking.
The program provides a safe environment where victims can begin to heal and gain hope for their future.
Access the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
