Why does Ivanka Trump work so hard to end Human trafficking
and get so little credit?
It’s Big Business. Human Trafficking Is an Epidemic in the U.S.
States like Virginia and Ohio account for some of highest rates of Opioid abuse in the nation. As a result, children of parents using Opioids end up in foster care, can be traded for drugs, or are in positions where they are sexually exploited. When children are forced to abuse Opioids or stimulants, they risk a life-long dependency and fatal overdoses.
Substance Abuse and Sex Trafficking
Jointly occurring substance abuse and sex trafficking are a harsh reality for some. 40% to 85% of prostitutes and sex trafficking and survivors have a chemical use disorder. Along with these disturbing numbers are the 25% of victims of sex trafficking battle Opioid use disorders. This relationship can occur as a way to attract vulnerable women into a life of sex slavery.
Human Trafficking, Psychological Distress, and Opioid Abuse
Human trafficking, both forced labor and sexual exploitation, deeply affect physical and mental wellbeing. Trauma is a common side effect of suffering in such devastating conditions and can bring up new emotional and mental conditions. Because of the relationship between mental illness and substance abuse, the individual who was not a substance abuser now may become one.
The opioid epidemic has complicated and exacerbated the sex trafficking crisis in a number of profound ways: it has increasingly given traffickers a powerful tool to recruit and control victims, it compounds the recovery struggle for survivors, and it taxes the resources of the justice system.
Survivors of sex trafficking when studies have released suffering from the following:
Depression
Shame
Anxiety
Paranoia
Low-self worth
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder
Alcohol abuse
Drug abuse
High-risk sexual behavior/unstable relationships
Schizophrenia
Delusional and hallucinations
Suicide ideation, suicide attempts, suicide
The nature of exploitation and abuse can create symptoms that may or not be treated, and, in turn encourage unhealthy methods of coping with a toxic reality. During the moments victims of sex trafficking are being sexually exploited, they may cope by using drugs like Heroin or Cocaine. Both of these drugs are widely abused and increase the body’s dopamine levels. Dopamine creates euphoric feelings, which may seem to be the answer to an extremely disempowering and hopeless circumstance. For forced labor, individuals can battle similar states of mind, and use substances to combat working long hours with little wage and protection. Regardless of the type of slavery one is in, many victims, sadly have a drug or alcohol dependency.
Human traffickers are increasingly recruiting in drug rehabilitation facilities and other similar programs because they see the vulnerability when someone is trying to recover from opioid or substance abuse. Children of those struggling with opioid addiction were also at risk.
Sex trafficking is becoming increasingly intertwined with gang activity. Law enforcement has increasingly seen gangs expanding from drug trafficking to sex trafficking, for the cruelest of economic reasons: unlike opioids, people can be sold over and over again
But the reverse relationship between sex trafficking and the drug trade is often true as well. There were increasing reports of opioid being used as a “control mechanism to force or coerce [victims] not only into sex trafficking but also drug trafficking.” In essence, with complete control of their victims, sex traffickers can force those victims to participate in the production, transportation, and distribution of drugs – they are disposable pawns who carry much of the risk of the drug trade on behalf of traffickers who reap the illicit reward.
Getting Clean and Starting Over
Attempting to leave a life of slavery poses psychological risks and is very complicated. Out the outside, it seems obvious to encourage people to leave and get clean in a short amount of time; however, it is not always that simple. There is still hope for victims of trafficking with social programs and treatment in rehabs for those who have battled such damaging circumstances. Don’t give up the fight. There are victim rehabilitation centers, especially those focusing on drug detox, therapy, and psychological treatment that can provide a safe space. If you know someone in this circumstance, they may be too afraid to make a life-changing call. Contact 911, and a dedicated treatment specialist today.
Further, many victims of trafficking have had their finances taken away from them, leaving them with very few treatment options. Currently, there are just 16 detox beds at RHA’s The Harbor facility, the only free detox program in the area. After that, A Safe Place can get survivors into a variety of treatment programs, but for those on their own, the options are not good.
There isn’t much, for someone with no resources.There are free programs but they’re few and far between — and the [survivors] have to be accepted. Often there’s a waiting list, and these programs need to make sure the patients are committed to the process. It’s not a good situation.”
The opioid epidemic takes a lot of resources. And these [sex trafficking] cases are the hardest – among the hardest – to prosecute. They take time and manpower, and when we have something like the recent rash of shooting, then everyone is working on that.”
A common issue is that victims of sex trafficking often disappear, fleeing the area if and when they can.
Some District Attorney’s office has tracked down victims as far away as California, Alaska, and Canada.
Prosecutors have limited resources to bring those victims to New Hanover County to testify, and can’t fly friends or family alongside them. Prosecutors have worked with a non-profit that sends a counselor along with the victim – an effort that made all the difference for the trial – but most of the time options are limited.
Anyone can join in the fight against human trafficking. Here are just a few ideas to consider.
Learn the indicators of human trafficking so you can help identify a potential trafficking victim.
Human trafficking awareness training is available for individuals, businesses, first responders, law enforcement, educators, and federal employees, among others.
If you are in the United States and believe someone may be a victim of human trafficking, report your suspicions to law enforcement by calling 911 or the 24-hour National Human Trafficking Hotline line at 1-888-373-7888.
Trafficking victims, including undocumented individuals, are eligible for services and immigration assistance.
Host an awareness-raising event to watch and discuss films about human trafficking. For example, learn how modern slavery exists today; watch an investigative documentary about sex trafficking; or discover how human trafficking can affect global food supply chains.
Businesses: Provide jobs, internships, skills training, and other opportunities to trafficking survivors.
Students: Take action on your campus. Join or establish a university club to raise awareness about human trafficking and initiate action throughout your local community. Consider doing one of your research papers on a topic concerning human trafficking. Request that human trafficking be included in university curricula.
Health Care Providers: Learn how to identify the indicators of human trafficking and assist victims. With assistance from anti-trafficking organizations, extend low-cost or free services to human trafficking victims.
Journalists: The media plays an enormous role in shaping perceptions and guiding the public conversation about human trafficking. Here are some media best practices on how to effectively and responsibly report stories on human trafficking.
Attorneys: Offer human trafficking victims legal services, including support for those seeking benefits or special immigration status. Resources are available for attorneys representing victims of human trafficking.
Republicans in the House care - what?
Ivanka and Pres. Trump worked hard getting this legislation passed - what?
Yep, Democrats seem to be in the biz - what?
Work with a local religious community or congregation to help stop trafficking by supporting a victim service provider or spreading awareness of human trafficking.
When a youth is a runaway or homeless, one of the reasons may be the lack of a support system that allows the opportunities to make healthy decisions. Runaway and homeless youth often leave their home without having a plan, which makes the youth more vulnerable to traffickers.
According to a Justice Department estimate, within 48 hours of leaving home, a trafficker or pimp approaches one-third of runaway youth.
A trafficker may approach by pretending to want to help by offering food, shelter or clothing; the youth is lured to an apartment or hotel room. When the youth reaches the destination, the trafficker forces them to have sex with undisclosed people in exchange for said food, clothing or shelter.
A youth without proper support networks at home or school may turn to social media to find supportive people. Traffickers prey on youth looking for that support and say things that make the youth think life will be better with them. The traffickers will groom a youth through praise, promises of a better life, or expensive gifts. Traffickers look for youth that have a lower self-esteem, are victims of domestic violence or abuse, or are socially isolated. The youth is easily convinced to leave home to live with the trafficker who has promised them a better life. Upon arrival, however, the youth is forced into sex trafficking.
How can a youth protect themselves from online traffickers?
What can parents/teachers/friends of the youth do to help them feel supported at home? The Human Trafficking Freedom Coalition of Illinois has some great suggestions on ways to prevent this from happening.
Install extra security on your computer and devices.
Install anti-virus software
Firewalls
Pop-up blockers
Review privacy settings. Look at the privacy settings available on social networking sites, cell phones, and other social tools that children use. Decide together which settings provide the appropriate amount of protection for each child.
Talk with the youth about critical thinking. Empower them to handle things. Support their good decisions. Actively engage with them.
Help them be good “digital citizens.” Teach youth to respect the personal information of friends and family and to not share it with others.
Not only does this teach youth good internet safety but it may also provide the necessary support system to help keep a youth feeling safe and loved.
The Human Trafficking Freedom Coalition of Illinois also has a list of safety apps for parents to use that can help in keeping youth safe while online.
Kids Place. This parental control app allows parents to customize their home screen to show only approved apps. It can also prevent youth from buying or downloading types of apps and can block incoming calls.
SecureTeen. This app filters out most adult content. It also monitors children’s activities online and can shut down any app that the youth may have installed on a device.
Kids Zone Parental Controls. This app allows parents to set a time limit on the use of a smartphone. It also blocks app installation and in-app purchasing.
Youth involved with trafficking can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-373-7888) for assistance or NRS at 1-800-RUNAWAY for support.
The National Runaway Safeline can help a youth find shelter or contact a family member and help a youth to return home through the Home Free program.
SIGNS OF SCOUTING FOR HUMAN TRAFFICKING
The abductor approaches you while you’re alone
They say they are from another city or country
Their self-description or story is inconsistent
They pay only in cash and say things like they don’t have a credit card and ask to use yours to avoid being tracked
Forces you to take drugs or consume alcohol
Lures you in with friendly conversation
Shows signs of aggressive behavior
Verbal or sexual abuse
They talk about having you come visit their country in the near future
They deny being married or having a family of their own (this is typically a man who is seeking out a younger woman)
They make sexual moves on you without your consent
When they find out you’re not in need of money, a daddy figure, or job their interest shifts
They seem put off when you mention your family lives nearby
When you Google their name, and the city of residence, all you find is the exact description, but the photo is someone else entirely. (They use this identity on the move and they will use it on the next innocent person they interact with while on this mission of recruiting those for human trafficking.)
80% in the clear: They say they are leaving town the next day and will be away on business for at least a week (if the city they are visiting is one listed above, beware) — If this happens they have had a change of mind and don’t plan on abducting you.
90% sure you’re in the clear: They disappear, don’t reply phone calls or texts when you reach out– they have moved on to scouting out someone else
HOW TO PROTECT YOURSELF FROM ABDUCTION
Be aware of your surroundings
Carry pepper spray with you on your key-chain
If you sense you are being chased down, or about to be kidnapped call 911 immediately
Stay in tune with your intuition, it will not lead you astray
Mentally prepare yourself to fight off the abductor
Never reveal private information to a stranger
Get to a safe spot as soon as possible.
If you do talk to a stranger, let me know you have friends and family in the area
Let them know you’re a supporter of guns and the second amendment
If you’re on a date, never leave the table until dinner is finished to avoid the other person slipping anything into your food or drink
If you begin to be attacked, make a scene, yell for help, and fight back like your life depends on it (because it probably does)
Be observant and use your brain (knowledge is power)
Allow 3 of your closest friends or family members to track your phone via GPS so they know your whereabouts at all times– you can do with on most cell phones and allow a select few to have access to your location for 1 hour, 1 day, or indefinitely
Don’t let anyone know where you live until you get to know them– so for a date, meet them at a public place for the first few times until you get to know them and feel comfortable
Stay in contact with friends and family if you’re out and about alone or with someone you don’t know very well
Always keep your doors locked
Before walking out of a store or restaurant, have your keys out so you don’t have to try finding them as your walking to the car (abductors love a distracted person)
Remember what you’ve seen in the movies– that stuff can actually happen and you can use some of the same methods to escape from a bad situation
If you suffer from trauma or psychological damage post the incident, seek professional help and don’t be ashamed of it. Getting help is a courageous act.
It's funny how the left responds to trivia, right? How are the Trumps getting it done?
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