I attended an educational event about sex trafficking this evening. This is a much larger industry than many people are aware. Sen. Amy Klobuchar is bringing legislation to Washington to further help with awareness and funding to support safe houses, etc. for girls trapped in this slavery. Did you know that many of the girls in sex trafficking began when they were 13?
Warning signs include a history of chronic, runaway behavior, a history of sexual abuse and a close relationship with someone who has been involved in trading sex. For many girls, they get into it out of the survival instinct. Their bodies are the only commodity they have to offer, so they offer it, for promises of food, housing and "love."
It's important to remember that the girls are the victims. But, in many cases, so are the men. According to Sgt. Grant Snyder, "people on all sides of this are broken." But he also says that sex trafficking exists because of men. His goal is to help one person--one victim, one perpetrator--to overcome their involvement in the problem.
There are organizations in place to begin to help. Kwanzaa's Northside Women's Space (www.kwanzaachurch.org) has become a refuge for women to go to redefine their "self" and move forward at a pace that fits them and their circumstances. If you want to help, they are most in need of toiletries and baby supplies, and of course, cash.
But to be of greater help, engage in education. Learn about sex trafficking of girls and how to talk about it without fear.