Thursday, January 14, 2021

 


Studies suggest nearly 420,000 people are trafficked in the United States each year. Every 45 minutes, a case of human trafficking is reported in the United States. Sadly, many cases go unreported, hidden in plain sight. In 2019, Pennsylvania ranked 4th in human trafficking prosecutions. These are just some of the startling statistics that prompted St. Paul’s Working for Justice group to join the fight against human trafficking. 

The Department of Homeland Security website states, “human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide – including right here in the United States. It can happen in any community and victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality. Traffickers might use violence, manipulation, or false promises of well-paying jobs or romantic relationships to lure victims into trafficking situations.”

January is slavery and human trafficking prevention month. The Working for Justice group at St. Paul’s is observing the month by supporting the local organization Living in Liberty, which is dedicated to combatting human trafficking in our community. Working for Justice hosted speaker Sherrill Rudy from Living in Liberty last March and learned a great deal from her expertise. Hosting or attending an educational session is the highly recommended first step in increasing awareness and learning about prevention. Check out www.LivinginLiberty.org for more information.       

Living in Liberty not only educates adults, but high schoolers as well. For our youth, often a peer – not an adult – is the first person to notice signs of trafficking. In fact, through Living in Liberty’s education program at a local high school, two female students knew to contact their designated school official when they received trafficking-oriented text messages.  Their actions, resulted in authorities to apprehending the traffickers.

Another way to increase awareness is by promoting “The Blue Campaign,” a public awareness effort to educate on human trafficking indicators. Do this by posting a picture of yourself, friends, family, and colleagues wearing blue clothing on social media, along with #WearBlueDay. 

In addition, a purchase of “All God’s Children,” a song by Christian music artist Tauren Wells gives 100% of proceeds to The Tim Tebow Foundation’s Anti-Human Trafficking ministry.  The lyrics of Well’s song sum up Working for Justice’s belief that “We are all God's children, made in His image, perfectly loved, worthy of freedom.  This is our fight, ‘til every life is set free.”

Resources:  www.Hopeforjustice.org, www.DHS.gov, https://www.timtebowfoundation.org/,

 https://www.penncapital-star.com/commentary/a-new-report-offers-a-vivid-look-at-the-state-of-human-trafficking-in-pa-tuesday-morning-coffee/

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