January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Even though it is the fastest growing criminal industry worldwide there are many still unaware of this growing epidemic. One of the best things you can do is to educate yourself and know what to look for. Could you identify a victim of trafficking? Would you know who to call if you saw something suspicious?
Learn The Red Flags:
- Chronic runaway/truant/homeless youth
- Has goods or services they cannot afford
- Carries multiple cell phones
- Excessive amounts of cash
- Signs of branding (tattoos with a name, symbol, or bar code)
- Lies about age or has false identification
- Restricted and/or scripted communication (story may seem rehearsed)
- Inconsistencies in their story
- Avoids eye contact
- Appears scared/nervous
- Lack of knowledge about where they are or why
- Signs of psychological trauma and abuse (anxiety, depression, thoughts of suicide, panic attacks, lack of emotion)
- Typically has someone with them at all times. This person may seem controlling or speak for the victim.
Read About It:
- Nobody’s Girl by Barbara Amaya is an excellent book for raising awareness of the dangers of runaways and pimp tactics. This book will help you understand how incredibly difficult it is to put the pieces of your life back together, to move beyond the pain and trauma, and to learn to trust again
- Girls Like Us by Rachel Lloyd is a memoir and a great read for understanding how young girls get trapped into this as well as why it is so hard for them to leave. This does have some explicit language, but the overall message is one that needs to be heard.
- The White Umbrella by Mary Frances Bowley will help you understand the trauma these women have experienced and how important the need for healing is.
- For a longer list of Suggested Books go Here
Watch a movie or documentary:
- My favorite documentary is Nefarious. It's a comprehensive look at trafficking, but ends with the focus of the hope and healing that can be found in Jesus.
- Host a movie night and show a movie or documentary about trafficking. Gather your friends and family in your home and provide a platform for some thoughtful discussion after the movie.
- For a list of recommend watching go Here
Refuse To Click:
Watch this short 4 minute video to understand how pornography and trafficking are connected and then refuse to click.
Porn: Trafficking At Your Fingertips
Get Involved:
Watch this short 4 minute video to understand how pornography and trafficking are connected and then refuse to click.
Porn: Trafficking At Your Fingertips
Get Involved:
- Enter the Human Trafficking Hotline # into your phone 888-373-7888. If you see something suspicious make the call. The hotline is monitored 24/7 and is completely anonymous.
- Research organizations in your area that are fighting against human trafficking and sign up for their newsletter or email. Take it a step further and donate your time or financial support.
- Know what’s available for after care here in the Chicago area. Most of them have a huge need for volunteers. After Care Homes in the Chicago area
Pray
- Pray, Pray, Pray - There is no better weapon in the fight against Human Trafficking
- Sign up for the daily prayer email with Shared Hope International and commit to praying once a day during the month of January to end sex trafficking.
