As a parent, our children are our world, but one of our biggest challenges is protecting our children without being too overbearing. It’s a scary world, especially for children, so what can you do to keep them safe?
One of the biggest threats to children is human trafficking. At the same time, this topic has been sensationalized and sometimes used as political leverage. This is a real issue that must be discussed within your family.
What is Human Trafficking?
“Human trafficking involves (using) force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act”- Blue Campaign.
The issue is children are more vulnerable and more easily manipulated than adults and are less capable of physically fighting back.
Trafficking is a serious issue often hidden; however, recently, the topic has entered many folks’ conversations, and a new film was released this year tackling human trafficking, specifically child trafficking. The controversial movie The Sound of Freedom depicts the true story of two trafficked children.
While it has become more of a hot topic as of late, many people still don’t fully comprehend how to fight against human trafficking.
Seven Ways You Can Fight Human Trafficking
As a parent, this issue should be at the forefront of your mind, as anyone is susceptible to human trafficking. Feeling helpless about significant issues like this can be easy, but these small steps can protect your family and community.
1. Call Congress
You may not have all the power in the country to protect vulnerable people, but Congress does! Congress has passed legislation against human trafficking in the past, but we must keep the momentum going. Call Congress and urge them to pass the Put Trafficking Victims First Act of 2023.
2. Stay Alert
Signs of human trafficking can be easy to miss if you aren’t paying attention, but when you start to analyze someone’s situation, you may be able to see it happening in your community. If you interact with someone who shows signs of physical abuse, is submissive and fearful, or even lives with their employer, you may be dealing with a human trafficking situation. Be aware of your surroundings because you could save someone’s life.
3. Ask Questions
While it is not likely, you would be able to speak to a victim of trafficking, if you are able, a few key questions can let you know if someone is being victimized.
Here are some examples (US Department of State):
- Has your family been threatened?
- Can you leave your job if you want to?
- Are you in debt to your employer?
4. Call For Help
The National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888) is available 24/7, multilingual, and toll-free, so report a tip whenever and wherever you feel necessary. Trust your instincts because it is better to be safe than sorry!
5. Mentor At-Risk Youth in Your Community
Providing a safe space for the youth in your community will allow them to feel protected and give them the ability to open up to someone they trust. This preventative measure can help children grow up in a safe environment.
6. Encourage Open Communication in the Household
Children usually don’t respond well to being yelled at. Encouraging open and honest communication will allow your children to be honest with you about their whereabouts, who they’re hanging out with, and what they’re doing in their spare time. If your child comes to you and discloses the information you see as a red flag, you can more easily stop it than if your child hides it from you until it is too late.
7. Stay Educated
Human trafficking is a serious issue and isn’t the only threat to children nowadays. It’s essential to stay up-to-date on potential hazards such as sexual exploitation or grooming, read articles from reliable sources, and listen to your kids when they tell you something is wrong.
Child trafficking is an issue that was kept hidden from the public for a long time, but it’s now something people are aware of and actively trying to stop. As a parent, joining the fight against human trafficking is paramount to protecting your children and every child worldwide.
Now that you know seven unique ways, how can YOU help fight human trafficking? Please write it down, commit to it, and keep your family safe.
