Every year, millions of children around the world are trafficked for labor, sex, and exploitation.
January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, a time to shine a spotlight on the global epidemic of human trafficking, with a particular focus on child victims. Raising awareness about these crimes is critical to combating them, and organizations like The CARE Center play a vital role in supporting survivors’ recovery.
What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is the exploitation of individuals for forced labor, sex, or other forms of coercion. It affects millions globally, but children are particularly vulnerable. In fact, one in five people trafficked worldwide is a child (International Labor Organization). Traffickers often target children due to their vulnerability, lack of resources, and limited ability to escape.
Types of Trafficking
- Sex Trafficking: Children are often forced into prostitution, pornography, or other sexual exploitation.
- Labor Trafficking: Children are coerced into working in fields, factories, and homes under dangerous conditions.
- Other Forms of Trafficking: Trafficking for illegal adoptions, organ trade, and child soldier recruitment are also widespread problems.
Human trafficking is a global crisis, but it also affects local communities. An estimated 2 million children are exploited in the global commercial sex trade each year (United Nations). Although trafficking is often perceived as a far-off issue, it’s a reality in our own neighborhoods, with children at risk in every community.
Why Are Children Vulnerable?
Children are especially vulnerable to trafficking because they often cannot defend themselves or recognize the danger. They may be lured with promises of better opportunities or threatened with violence. Traffickers exploit their trust, manipulating them into exploitative situations that can last for years.
“Traffickers can be master manipulators and children have no way of knowing not to trust them,” says Rebecca Craig, Director of Client Services at The CARE Center.
The Impact of Human Trafficking on Children
The effects of trafficking on children are profound and long-lasting, often resulting in significant psychological and emotional trauma. Survivors may experience:
- Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
- Depression and anxiety
- Feelings of shame, guilt, and helplessness
The emotional impactcan lead to difficulties in building trust, maintaining relationships, and feeling safe in the world. Many survivors struggle with with low self-worth and disconnection from others asa result of their experiences. Additionally, trafficking survivors frequently endure physical abuse, malnutrition, and untreated injuries, all of which can further impact their mental and physical well-being.
What Do Child Advocacy Centers (CACs) Do?
Child Advocacy Centers are multi-disciplinary hubs where children who have been victims of abuse, including trafficking, can receive care and support. CACs provide a safe, comfortable environment where children can speak about their experiences without fear or intimidation. These centers bring together law enforcement, social services, medical providers, and family advocates to support the child and family through every step of their recovery.
How Communities Can Help Combat Child Trafficking
Recognizing the Signs of Trafficking:
- A trauma-informed and mental health-centered approach is essential in supporting survivors on their path to healing. One critical way communities can help is by recognizing potential signs of trafficking, which may include:
- Frequent injuries or hospital visits with unclear explanations
- Malnourishment or signs of neglect
- Extreme fear or anxiety around specific individuals or situations
- Being closely monitored, controlled or isolated from friends, family, and teachers
- Unexplained gifts or unexplained sources of money
Craig says it’s important to note these are not diagnostic criteria, but they can be indicators something is going on that needs to be addressed with a competent caretaker or professional.
“It is important to address these concerns early on in their presence. The sooner intervention occurs the more likely of a successful transition back to health and wellness for the child.”
Community awareness is a powerful tool in the fight against human trafficking. By hosting local events, sharing information on social media, and supporting anti-trafficking organizations, we can help spread the word about the realities of child trafficking and what people can do to help.
How to Help End Trafficking
Taking action starts with awareness, education and community involvement. By recognizing the signs of trafficking, supporting your local Child Advocacy Center, and spreading awareness in your community, we can help protect children and create safer communities.
Here are ways you can contribute to prevention and support:
- Recognize the signs and respond with appropriate action
- Stay informed about trafficking trends and risk factors
- Report suspected trafficking to appropriate authorities
- share resources like the National Human Trafficking Hotline Number (1-888-373-7888) to ensure help is accessible
Dragonfly Home Co-founder and Director of Advancement, Melissa Eick shared insights on the importance of staying educated on the signs and practices of trafficking.
“Education is one of the most powerful tools we have to combat human trafficking. By understanding the realities of this crime, we can all play a role in preventing human trafficking, as well as helping meet trafficking survivors’ needs,” said Eick.
How to Report Suspected Trafficking:
If you suspect a child or adult is a victim of trafficking, it’s critical to report it immediately. Contact local law enforcement or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
Early intervention can help prevent further abuse and begin the healing process for the survivor.
Resources:
- National Human Trafficking Hotline: https://humantraffickinghotline.org | Call 1-888-373-7888
- Dragonfly Home: https://dragonflyhome.org
- Polaris Project: https://polarisproject.org
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