What if Someone Sold You?
Often times, we as humans are guilty of
having a preconceived idea of what a “pimp” or “sex trafficker” may look or act
like. In an article published by CNN, these make believe ideas are shut down
within the first sentence. It’s proof that human sex trafficking is quite
literally happening in our backyards. The article states, “A pastor, a state
trooper and a convicted sex offender were among 1,000 people arrested in a month-long
period trying to sell or buy sex across the country” (Chavez, 2017). See what I
mean by we have an idea of what they may be like? Then the article starts with
a pastor?! I was blown away, and immediately scared for my generation and those
to follow. How is someone supposed to know whom they can trust when pastors and
state troopers are among those buying and selling sex?
For more information on the effects of Human Trafficking: CNN Freedom Project
“Trafficking is a grave violation of
the fundamental human rights of women and girls” (Crawford, 2011, p. 376). This
statement uses the word grave, which I find very deep and emotional. Sex
trafficking of both young and adult women is essentially taking away all of
their freedom and of course self-worth. When we see this idea of trafficking
and how it violates human rights, the numbers from the article become even more
heartbreaking. CNN reported that when they did this nationwide sting operation
“the most arrests were in Harris County, Texas, and Seattle, with 179 and 160
arrests, respectively” (Chavez, 2017).
“One thing that especially confused and
terrified me that night, and that continued to weigh on me in the weeks that
followed, was that one of the men had a police badge. To this day I don't know
if he was a real policeman” (Shandra, 2016). Shandra Woworuntu was a women
coming to the U.S for work who ended up in the sex trade industry. This quote
is her reliving and telling specifics of her personal story. What’s bone
chilling to me is her mention of the police badge. Why is this a reoccurring
theme? I was unaware that police are potentially involved. I am sure that the
police involved are very few and far between, but having two different articles
mention them isn’t very comforting. I am not saying that police are doing this,
I am simply pointing out that we need to be vigilant and educated. Our eyes
need to be opened to this modern day slavery that is happening worldwide.
I am thankful for a small town that has
an absolutely incredible HumanTrafficking Task Force of Southwest Michigan. They are constantly raising money and awareness to
keep us up to date and safe. Our task force spends countless hours helping
young girls and adult women get out of slavery, and helping them, once they are
out. It’s my hope that soon and very soon every city, and county will have
their own task force. Human trafficking needs to be taken more seriously and
people need the opportunity to be educated like I have been able to. We have
learned the signs of traffickers, and what to look for when we think that
someone may have already been bought into the trade. Most people in my community
know the number to call and are not blind to what is happening in our own
backyards.
References
Chavez, N. (2017, August 04). More than 1,000 arrests in sex trafficking operation. Retrieved August 11, 2017, from
http://www.cnn.com/2017/08/04/us/sex-trafficking- sting/index.html
Crawford, M. (2011). Transformations: Women, Gender and Psychology: 2nd Revised: edition. London: McGraw Hill
Higher Education.
Missouri woman pleads guilty to sex trafficking Illinois minor. (2016, May 14). Retrieved August 13, 2017,
from http://illinoisreview.typepad.com/illinoisreview/2016/05/missouri-woman- pleads- guilty-to-sex-trafficking-illinois-
minor.html
SEX TRAFFICKING IN THE U.S. (n.d.). Retrieved August 11, 2017, from https://www.charitysub.org/sex-trafficking-in-
the-us/
Shandra Woworuntu: My life as a sex-trafficking victim. (2016, March 30). Retrieved August 11, 2017, from
http://www.bbc.com/news/magazine-35846207
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