January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month
January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Human trafficking in the form of forced labor and sexual trafficking affects millions of people around the world and is one of the most lucrative criminal industries in the world, producing around $150 billion per year. It's a touchy subject with heavy implications. Consequently, it makes sense that many avoid the subject completely. However, this crisis will not resolve on its own. From 2008 to 2022 the number of human trafficking victims identified worldwide went from around 30,000 to 115,000. Now is the time to take action.
The ASP affirms that we have a collective responsibility to the most vulnerable members of our society. Victims are often targeted because of their inability to seek help. For example, the average age of a sex trafficked youth is 12. The accusations of youth victims are not often believed, leading to easy intimidation and prevents youth from reaching out for help. Similarly, family instability and abuse are the greatest risk factors, which among others, such as sexual orientation and economic status, also put people aat risk. Homelessness puts youth at incredible risk. A runaway or homeless person will have a higher chance of getting picked up off the street by traffickers and a higher chance of being groomed. In fact, 68% of all trafficked youth were initially trafficked while homeless.
Some people mistakenly think that trafficking victims are kidnapped and never seen again. Even though this does happen, it is not as common as domestic trafficking. In our daily lives, each of us may run into either victims or traffickers. It is a common misconception that you will be able to recognise a trafficker on the street. Realistically, you have no idea who a trafficker could be at first glance. It is not uncommon for a trafficker to have a public career and for this reason any person, despite their prestigious reputation, could be a trafficker.
Trafficking is also a symptom of longstanding racial injustice. Minorities are at a higher risk for being trafficked compared to their racial majority counterparts. A study across the US and Canada showed that in some places 40% of trafficked women identify as being Native American or indigenous.and another forty percent of total sex trafficking victims identify as black women.
Human trafficking is a growing industry responsible for ruining millions of people’s lives. It is our individual responsibility to spread awareness to others in our communities and support those most at risk. There is a nation-wide awareness walk called the “Walk for Freedom'' that is organized by A21. This year the walk will take place on October 19, 2024. Participating in events like this and Human Trafficking Awareness Day on January 11, aid counter-trafficking efforts by bringing public awareness to the issue. We all should provide support for historically disadvantaged communities to reduce trafficking. Supporting groups and organizations that advocate for vulnerable populations such as the homeless helps spread awareness into those communities. Acknowledging the need to address this growing issue is a natural activity for members of ASP. In doing so, the ASP is actively fighting for stable families and housing, the well-being of high risk individuals, and for stronger communities.