Speaking Out

Human Trafficking is a form of slavery that is occurring throughout the globe. According to the Department of Labor, there are 17,500 victims per year. These victims, through the use of threat, force, coercion or deception, are lured or abducted by traffickers posing as marriage brokers, job recruiters or other professional roles. Traffickers can be family members, friends, business associates or even an intended spouse. Victims, both children and adults, are forced into labor or commercial sexual exploitation.

	Discussion Board Question What do you know about actions taken to eliminate human trafficking?

They can be found in restaurants, sweatshops, agriculture, factories, domestic service, tourism and prostitution. If the victim is brought into the country, their passports and other identification are confiscated. They are threatened psychologically and physically and are kept isolated, receiving little or no money and living in inhuman conditions.

Victims are from all parts of the globe. A majority come from South East Asia, South Africa, Eastern Europe, the former USSR and Latin America.

Some are United States Citizens. Many can not escape because they are
physically, linguistically and culturally isolated from others. They are most often the marginalized and oppressed, perhaps coming from broken homes or suffering from addictions or are jobless. Signs to look for if you suspect someone is a victim include: housed in very poor living conditions perhaps living with their employer; evidence of being excessively fearful if approached; signs of physical or emotional abuse; and those, especially the very young who are prostitutes.

If you suspect human trafficking call the hotline1-888-373-7888. Remember the Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act passed in 2002 is a federal law that protects victims, prevents trafficking and prosecutes the trafficker. Web sites you can visit include UNANIMA www.unanima-international.org or VETA (Victims of Exploitation and Trafficking Assistance Program) www.bpsos.org/VETA. Bon Secours Sister, Ann Marie Mack,CBS is the UNANIMA Board Member for our international community. You can email peaceandjustice@bonsecoursvocations.org.