To understand human trafficking, it is important to understand the underlying causes and risk factors. In September 2016, the Urban Institute released a study, “Impossible Choices: Teens and Food Insecurity in America.” The report reveals a link between food insecurity and sexual exploitation. Teens suffering from hunger, mostly girls, are exchanging sex for food or […]
“The human spirit is a pretty remarkable thing because it is so breakable. And yet we also have the power to heal ourselves.” – Jose Cruz Gonzales, playwright Among […]
TraffickCam is an innovative free app that is designed so that anyone with a smart phone can join the fight against human sex trafficking. All one needs to do is upload pictures of their hotel room (no people!) and leave the rest to TraffickCam and law enforcement.Hotels are often venues for commercial sex trade, too […]
Collaborating with the media can be a very effective outlet for increasing public awareness about human trafficking, but it also comes with specific risks for survivors that must be considered by organizations. These include the possibility of sensationalism, misunderstanding, increasing danger for the client, re-traumatization of the client and jeopardizing the case. What follows are […]
I became involved in the Genesee County Human Trafficking Task Force (GCHTTF) because of the work that I was doing with disconnected youth ages 16 to 24 and homeless clients at the time through the organization, Resource Genesee. Both of these populations are vulnerable to being trafficked and joining the task force was a logical extension […]
This post is the third in a 3 part series that seeks to dispel some common myths about human trafficking that are frequently stated but always wrong.Myth #7: Average Age of Entry into the Sex TradeIt is often repeated that the average age of entry into the sex trade for girls is between 12-14 years […]
“Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better do better.” – Maya AngelouThese words by poet Maya Angelou should be a source of inspiration for the […]
When we know better we do better. When we perpetuate myths about human trafficking we harm victims. This post is the first in a 3 part series that seeks to dispel some common myths about human trafficking that are frequently stated but always wrong. Myth #1: Human Trafficking = Sex Trafficking Truth: The phrases […]
As the Promoter of Justice for the Dominican Sisters ~ Grand Rapids, I am charged with organizing my efforts and those of our Sisters, Associates, and friends around several justice issues including immigration, care of earth, human trafficking and others, while keeping in mind the root causes of racism, poverty, and violence. As I write […]
We all know that awareness of human trafficking is increasing. It’s about time. Let’s talk about a population that has long known what Human Trafficking is all about: inmates at a women’s prison. I began my career as a corrections officer for the Michigan Department of Corrections in 1989. I worked at Huron Valley Men’s […]