January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. 

What is “human trafficking”? Justice.gov/humantrafficking states that “Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons or modern-day slavery, is a crime that involves compelling or coercing a person to provide labor or services, or to engage in commercial sex acts. The coercion can be subtle or overt, physical or psychological.”

Know anyone who has been, or is suspected of being, human trafficked?  I am not aware of anyone I know who is, or has, suffered through this.  Did you know, however, that Missouri is listed as #8 on the list of top 10 states in the US with the most known cases in the United States?  I didn’t either until I was doing research for this blog! 

Estimates on how many adults and children are forced into human trafficking are very hard to know for sure but according to https://www.safehorizon.org/ the estimates range from 100,000 to 300,000 in the US.  Wow!  That is a much bigger number than I imagined.  How about you?

Are you like me and think “well, this would never happen to me or someone I love?”  I am pretty naïve to think that!  This could happen to any of us at any time.  We have to be vigilant and aware of our surroundings, aware of who we “chat” with, and do not “give him/her the benefit of the doubt”!!  Our very lives depend on it.

When you are talking with, chatting with, socializing with anyone who wants to keep your relationship and activities “a secret”, pay attention to those red flags.  Be sure to always tell others where you are going and who you are going with.  Be diligent in researching the person you are going out on a date with.  Could that person be trying to get close to you to lure you away?  What about your little sister?  Your daughter?  You nephew?  Talk to them about these facts! 

Protect them.  Protect yourself.  Be proactive. 

There is a hotline you can call for help, questions, or just information:

1-888-373-7888

Or you can text 233-733 Reach out and get help if you suspect human trafficking is happening or about to.

Here at MyLife we are always willing to sit down, talk, and help in any way we can.

Be safe.