When we think of the word “trafficking”, for the majority, the main picture that comes to mind is a “pimp like” person manhandling a girl who looks like she has seen better days. However, that is not the reality for many of the survivors. Trafficking can be the sweet neighbors next door, the pastor that is loved by everyone, the teacher or coach that you have known for years. Trafficking can look so normal, it hides in plain sight. This is why we have to stay vigilant. We have to know what to look for. We have to speak up. If you notice something odd or you have a gut feeling about a situation, speak up. If you are wrong, you can always say “I’m Sorry”, but if you are right, you could save a child from this nightmare.
Trafficking and molestation go hand in hand. They are both sex crimes against children. When children are trafficked or molested, they are usually groomed first. Once the abuse starts, the child has already developed a relationship with the predator, if there wasn’t already one. With trafficking the child is used as a piece of property. The child will be sold for sex over and over until they age out or are rescued. However, with molestation, the child will usually be abused by one person and the abuse will end when the child is no longer desired by the predator or they tell someone about the abuse. In both of these situations, there is a common ground. An innocent child being put through hell and usually too scared speak up.
We need to work together, as a nation, to bring an end to these crimes. We need to come together in this fight to protect our children. We need changes in legislation now, and we need to be the voice when these precious children can’t speak for themselves.
#defendthevoiceless