How can you help put a stop to sex trafficking?

I’ll never forget the day that I learned about sex trafficking … and how I could play a role in helping to stop it.

I sat in a chair at my church pretty oblivious to the problem, not knowing what to expect. But what I soon watched and listened to had my stomach in knots.

I watched a video that depicted a real life example of a girl being coerced into sex trafficking by a man who had acted as a boyfriend just to lure her in. I learned that it is occurring in my own (relatively small) city, that the victims are vulnerable young girls and boys, and that the “johns” who are buying the services are everyday men that you might pass in the grocery store or sit next to at a baseball game. I learned that sex trafficking is completely REAL! And that it needs to be stopped.

And one of the biggest things that I learned is that WE (You + Me) are part of the solution …

I’ll admit, it was a little easier not knowing about it. Being the mother of two young girls, it’s always easier to pretend that evil doesn’t exist in the world. Especially evil that preys on young, beautiful children. But the truth is that this is a problem that needs to be known by everyone. People need to be made aware of sex trafficking in order to even put a dent in stopping it.

So that’s where we come in. We may not be able to stop sex trafficking single-handed or overnight, but we can help spread awareness. To help our family, friends and neighbors understand that it is very real and how to watch for it. How can we help the victims? Or protect the vulnerable from being lured in? Or even help decrease the demand of the men who are buying the services?

Here are some resources to help you educate yourself:

Eye Heart World – The Cause – learn what sex trafficking is, where it is, how bad it is, what to look for and how to help support the work to stop it. (You can also support Eye Heart World with RaiseUp!)

How to identify sex trafficking victims – in order to help victims receive help, first you need to stop and learn how to identify who they are

CNN: Sex trafficking: The new American slavery – an article by CNN showing the truth and severity behind sex trafficking

If you come across anything or are a victim yourself, you can reach out to the Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888- 373-7888

The first step to stopping sex trafficking is awareness. Become aware and help others to do the same!