Human Trafficking Awareness Day
Did you know that January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, declared in 2010? January 11 is National Day of Human Trafficking Awareness, designated by the United States Senate in 2007.
I'm thankful for these national days. They help us remember. They help us to talk about the tough things in life.
Human Trafficking is Slavery!
Yes, human trafficking is slavery.
It’s a global crisis, and we cannot remain ignorant and silent about the topic.
We have to open our eyes, become more aware, and break the silence!
“There are approximately 40 million human trafficking victims worldwide. Through a variety of tactics including violence and threats, traffickers force their victims into forced labor or commercial sex against their wishes. While it seems victims would be the poor, weak, or a minority, every gender, race, religion, and social-economic background can be impacted by human trafficking. As a result, this issue belongs to every community in the country.”
I would add that this issue belongs to every community in the world! I would even go as far as to say that this issue belong to us—to YOU and to ME!
My Personal Journey of Awareness
Personally, I have become more and more aware of this global and human crisis since we moved to Spain.
My eyes have been opened to the sad reality of human trafficking.
Spain ranks in the top European countries with the most human trafficking victims.
After only two short months in-country, I was contacted by a non-profit organization running a women’s safe house in the city. Through various networks, they found out that I was living in the area and could speak Arabic.
There was a huge need.
As I sadly and hesitantly walked through the door of the safe house that first day, I found myself face-to-face with the dark and devastating world of women rescued from sex slavery.
Heartbreaking Stories
Sitting down for hours at a time to listen to the heart-wrenching stories of these broken women, I have had to be a “language bridge.” Translating from Arabic to English, with a second translator working in English and Spanish, I have heard more trauma stories than my heart and emotions can contain.
Heartbreaking . . . simply heartbreaking.
I wrote one woman's story, Our Journey to El Dorado. Her name is Habiba.
January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Month.
That’s why I’m writing this story.
We have to open our eyes, become more aware, and break the silence!
I have written on the topic before. Last year, I wrote a series of articles on the subject of sex trafficking. If you missed reading them, please take some time to do so today . . . or this month.
Photo by Peter Forster on Unsplash
SEX TRAFFICKING—WHAT CAN I DO ABOUT IT?
SEX TRAFFICKING—WILL YOU TAKE TIME TO LISTEN?
SEX TRAFFICKING—MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO THE ONE!
MOVE MOUNTAINS FOR SURVIVORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING
ANSWERING MY CHILD'S QUESTIONS ABOUT HUMAN TRAFFICKING
WEAR BLUE AND FIGHT HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Please open your eyes, become more aware, and break the silence! Please listen to their stories!
I beg you.
I am regularly listening to stories of human trafficking—recording them, writing them, collecting them, sharing them.
Their voices deserve to be heard.
Check out all my books on human trafficking—for adults and children.
Doing Something About it!
I am thankful for the many organizations out there who are breaking the silence, sharing their stories, and doing something about it.
You can be a part of this awareness movement too. You can link hands with us to make a difference—no matter where you are right now in the world.
Round-Up
Here’s a round-up of some of my favorite online businesses—along with their mission statements—who are helping to rescue women and girls from human trafficking and helping them to get a fresh start in life.
Trades of Hope—"We exist to create jobs for women to break cycles of poverty and trafficking. You stand with a woman who is leading her family when you shop her ethically-made accessory."
Rahab’s Rope—“The mission of Rahab's Rope is to give hope and opportunity to women and girls that are at risk or have been forced into the commercial sex trade of India. We provide a safe and loving environment that will enable them to grow and develop both physically and spiritually.”
Starfish Project— "Starfish Project restores hope to exploited women in Asia. We provide life-changing opportunities through our Holistic Care Programs and our social enterprise where women create beautiful jewelry and become managers, accountants, graphic designers, and photographers.
Through our Holistic Care Programs, we provide vocational training, healthcare, shelter, counseling, and education grants for our women and their children. Starfish Project has employed over 140 women and has served thousands through our Community Outreach Services."
In conclusion, there are many organizations and businesses out there in the world lending a hand and making a difference.
Here is a round-up from CNN of organizations who are leading the fight against human trafficking.
Please open your eyes, become more aware, and break the silence! Please listen to their stories!
I beg you.
Read Habiba's story, Our Journey to El Dorado.
Check out my books on human trafficking awareness—for adults and children.