Today is National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, and
although I normally sit down and write our blog posts with ease, this post has
certainly been the exception. I thought I knew a good deal about human
trafficking but the more I read, the more disgusted, appalled, scared, (you can
insert any number of fitting, descriptive words here) I become.
Human trafficking, sex trafficking in particular, is not only
the fastest growing crime in the world, it is also one of the most profitable criminal
industries in the world behind only drug trafficking and weapons dealing, but
apparently not for long. And for those
who would think it is not happening in our country, in our cities, in our
neighborhoods, to our children’s friends, it is time to get our heads out of
the sand and see this horrific crime for what it is and stand up and do
something about it.
Brothels, dance clubs, strip clubs, and massage parlors are
typical industries for sex trafficking; often exploiting both documented and
undocumented immigrants and foreign nationals to provide commercial sex. There is also what is known as domestic minor sex
trafficking (DMST) and the commercial sexual abuse of children, and Florida is the third largest hub of
human trafficking in the U.S. for DMST.
In fact, central Florida has the second highest number of child sex
trafficking cases in the United States.
Yes, you read that correctly. Sandy
beaches, sunshine, surf AND sexual exploitation of children – that is what our
state is becoming known for.
Please take a few minutes and become educated about this terrible,
tragic crime against young women and children in our country – in our own
state! This is a very informative
article; it is not easy to read, but it is essential that each and every one of
us understands this issue and becomes a part of the solution! Awareness is the
first step to action.
Please remember and share: Today, January 11, 2013 is National Human
Trafficking Awareness Day. For the 27
million people living in modern day slavery, reading this article is the least
we can do!
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Speak Up Florida!