Human Trafficking for Sexual Purposes ~ A Reality of Our Country
"An estimated 2 million children, the majority of them girls, are sexually exploited in the multibillion dollar commercial sex industry." (UNICEF)
I just returned from a conference in Tampa, FL put on by Hay House called I Can Do It! It is the third year I've been in attendance and each year has brought me invaluable insight into my own well being as well as useful tools as to how to live in this world not only on a small scale of my own personal surroundings but also globally.
During the opening talk by Dr. Wayne Dyer, his daughter Serena Dyer was invited to speak for a few moments on the cause toward which she has been putting much of her efforts. Though her message on that stage Friday evening was brief, it's impact deep within my core will remain much longer than the original moment of awareness. And, I know this will be true for many. While standing in line to meet Denise Linn, one of Hay House's many incredible authors, the topic of conversation of several women in front of me was on the Child Sex Trafficking of which Serena spoke. A child of abuse, myself, I was comforted to know that this was being openly talked about with such a depth of emotion and a conviction to be a part of the solution.
Amongst the many things about this topic that sickened me was the recollection of my own path of healing the wounds of my experiences with abuse; the devastation; the fear ~no, make that the horror and terror~; the misplaced shame upon myself; the defeat; the anger; the grief of a childhood tainted; the exhaustion and depletion; the financial hardship from the physical, mental, emotional and spiritual modes of healing sought out.
Then my mind shot to those 2 million children (and that's an estimation ~ a calculation of the "known" cases, never mind the ones still getting away with such horrific practices which are bringing huge monetary gains at the expense of children's lives). Taking it a step further, how on earth will we supply the necessary support to these 2 million children when and if they ever break free of this horrific life that unwillingly, forcefully became their realities?
This isn't something we can turn a blind eye to based on the notion that it's only happening outside our own country. One of the statistics on www.NOT-FOR-SALE.org states that every 10 minutes a woman or child is trafficked into the United States. Another statistic states, "The present rate of trafficking is already 10 times higher than the Atlantic Slave Trade at its peak." During her talk, Serena went on to inform the audience (and I may misquote so please do the research on your own to get the correct information) that 50% of trafficking within the United States is for the purpose of sexual encounters vs in other countries where human trafficking is more for work/labor purposes.
Once again, I urge you to not turn a blind eye because it is happening in our own backyards. Take a moment to think about where your children or grandchildren are at this very moment you are reading this? Your nephew or niece or any other child with whom you love or have a connection? Please, please, please be aware! However, don't confuse awareness with fear. Fear does not allow for logical, rational thought as does awareness.
I recently had a man tell me that he hadn't read my book, he didn't see the need to read my book, he didn't intend to read my book, it had no relevance to him at all. These were the words that came out of his mouth just after he'd told me about his wife and two daughters. I'm not certain if he has any grandchildren or not, but my thought was, "Oh please Dear God, do not let this man NEED to read my book after the fact!"
As I've written this message this morning, I am certain that it has touched a nerve deep within me because I feel such an urgency to relay it. It is an urgency that could keep my words flowing about this topic infinitely. However, I'm hopeful I've given you enough food for thought to go forward and educate yourself to allow for awareness. It's not necessary for you to become an expert on the subject. Just have a knowledge around it. I'd encourage you to read You're Only As Sick As Your Secrets; Sexual Abuse Awareness, Prevention, and Intervention if you haven't already because it offers information in the form of a personal memoir but also as a guide in helping to become aware of and recognize a suspected abusive situation in order to report such suspicions to the proper authorities. I'd also encourage you to visit www.NOT-FOR-SALE.org for invaluable statistics and information on Human Trafficking.
In closing, I hope this blog has inspired you and NOT filled you with fear. Paralyzing fear is unproductive but awareness is empowering. Please choose empowerment!