Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery—a multi-billion dollar criminal industry that denies freedom to 24.9 million people around the world. And no matter where you live, chances are it's happening nearby. From the girl forced into prostitution at a truck stop, to the man discovered in a restaurant kitchen, stripped of his passport and held against his will. All trafficking victims share one essential experience: the loss of freedom.
In 2016, the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children estimated that 1 in 6 endangered runaways reported to them were likely sex trafficking victims. Globally, the International Labor Organization estimates that there are 4.5 million people trapped in forced sexual exploitation globally.
Victims of human trafficking are frequently lured by false promises of a lucrative job, stability, education, or a loving relationship. Victims can be men or women, adults or children, foreign nationals or U.S. citizens. While they share the trait of vulnerability, victims have diverse ethnic and socio-economic backgrounds, varied levels of education, and may be documented or undocumented. As defined under U.S. law, victims of human trafficking can be divided into three populations: Children under age 18 induced into commercial sex. Adults aged 18 or over induced into commercial sex through force, fraud, or coercion. Children and adults induced to perform labor or services through force, fraud, or coercion.
Regardless of your location, please visit PolarisProject.org and learn more about human trafficking. This is a real issue & we all need to be aware!
NATIONAL HELP LINE FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING 1-888-373-7888
If you or someone you know is in the Delaware area, have experienced human trafficking, and need assistance with finding the resources that you need, please contact Zoe Ministries. You may also contact TC if you are seeking counseling or simply need someone to talk to. We are all here to assist in any way we can.
