*You may want to stop right here*
That's right, modern day slavery, the loss of one's freedom to another's control by force, fraud or coercion.
When I started the course and saw the overview of trafficking, prostitution and child porn, I knew it wouldn't be an easy pill to swallow, but I had no idea what these terms really mean. I've learned more than my mind can fathom.
Human trafficking is one of the fastest growing crimes in the world. It will soon surpass drug trafficking!
Why?
A drug can be sold once. A slave can be sold repeatedly.
Types of human trafficking include: debt bondage (promising an opportunity at a price which can never be repaid); sex trafficking; child brides and soldiers.
According to the State Department, up to 17,000 internationals are trafficked into the US each year, but that is considered a low estimate.
Let's read that again~
17,000 + human beings are trafficked into the United States of America! Each.year.
Who is primarily targeted?
- The most vulnerable.
- The invisible.
- The forgotten.
- The undocumented.
So...don't tell me it's ridiculous to adopt 8 kids from China.
Don't tell me it's not our problem.
Don't tell me we can't make a difference.
Don't tell me you'll do something once you retire.
Don't tell me you're too busy.
Don't tell me your house is too small.
Don't tell me it's not our problem.
*Links*
This is an issue very near and dear to our hearts. It is HUGE, yet few people know it. It is real, very real, even in rural America, mid-sized cities as well as around the world.
ReplyDeleteThanks for sharing on this topic too!
I really don't know much about this but just the thought of it turns my stomach...
ReplyDeleteHow awful...
It is unbelievable...
ReplyDeleteand HORRIBLE.
We have been involves with STOP child trafficking for a few years now...
I know a bit of what you have heard today. My oldest daughter is head of the human trafficking unit for the Fulton County District Attorney's office in Atlanta. She hears about new horror stories daily. Even as a committed believer, it is hard to live with those stories in her mind. catherine
ReplyDeleteYes this is a HUGE problem! It truly was one of our motivations to adopt. The thought of our little girl being one of those undocumented, invisible, vulnerable, forgotten children makes me sick. But, not anymore! She is a SCHULER and we are so proud of our daughter! She is ours and we are hers...and with a daddy and 2 big brothers, plus a mommy and big sister...our sweet girl will never go without protection! :)
ReplyDelete