Kim Mozena
3.25.2012
Katie Greulich
Eng 132
Human Trafficking
The Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act of 2005, is designed to help victims of trafficking while they are being trafficked and after they are safe from the criminals. Human Trafficking is defined as, the recruitment of a person against their will, by coercion or abduction, to perform sexual acts or forced labor they may be abused or even killed if they do not comply.
Human Trafficking is bigger now than it ever has been. Human Trafficking is the second largest illegal industry bringing in approximately $32 billion yearly(Johnson). Something desperately needs to be done to stop this crime. In my paper I will answer many questions regarding Human Trafficking. On March 20, 2012 President Obama vowed to fight Human Trafficking. “Yet millions around the world and here in the United States - - toil under the boot of modern day slavery,” said Obama.(humantrafficking.org)
Prevention
“Be Smart, Be Safe”, is a brochure describing how to protect yourself from being victimized, what rights you have to protect yourself, how women can get help while in the United States, and tactics criminals use to target women and children. United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) is putting out a report starting in 2012 that will show overview of patterns and trends of trafficking in persons. It is going to include a chapter on responses worldwide to Human Trafficking.(UNODC) UNODC broadcasts radio announcements and television spots in different languages to get the word out to the world.
What Can We Do
“Knowledge will forever govern ignorance; and a people who mean to be their own governors must arm themselves with the power which knowledge gives.” ~ James Madison
There are a lot of avenues that we can take as citizens to make people aware of this crime. Through social media, mass seminars, and word of mouth we can make people aware of Human Trafficking and how to prevent their selves from becoming a victim.
Myths
Nothing can be done to stop human trafficking Human Trafficking only happens in other countries Human trafficking can only happen to poor people Human trafficking is only about sex
There are approximately 27 million men, women, and children being held against their will in the world.(Google) Google donated$11.5 million dollars to the cause. So what was done with the money? The money is to be used to join forces with different agencies to fight this fight.
Victims
Most recently Jaycee Lee Dugard, held against her will for 18 years, was kidnapped and used as a sex slave for a very sick man and his wife. While being held captive Jaycee was forced to mother two children by her kidnapper. (Police) None of the girls had been to school or the doctor’s office. The kidnapper was on lifetime parole. How well is the system working?
In 2009 Governor of Texas, Rick Perry signed into law that victims of domestic human-trafficking will get assistance. The law puts into effect training for police officials and helps victims with services, and provides grants for groups that are trying to help the victims.(Texas)
Works Cited
“Statement by the President on the Meeting of the Interagency Task Force to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons,” http://www.humantrafficking.org/countries/united_states_of_america
Cocheo, Steve. "Horror, under your nose: BSA officers must watch for human trafficking clues." ABA Banking Journal Feb. 2012: 40+. General OneFile. Web. 27 Mar. 2012.
"Google Donates $11.5 Million to Fight Slavery, Human Trafficking." PC Magazine Online 14 Dec. 2011. General OneFile. Web. 27 Mar. 2012.
“Police: California Girl Kidnapped 18 Years Ago Kept as Sex Slave in Couple’s Backyard” Fox News Report August 27,2009. Web. March 27,2012.
UNODC http://www.unodc.org/unodc/index.html
Human trafficking." The FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin Sept. 2011: 32. Academic OneFile. Web. 27 Mar. 2012.
Johnson, Teddi Dineley. "Ending human trafficking: health workers help to identify victims: global problem reaches inside U.S. borders." The Nation's Health Oct. 2010: 1+. Academic OneFile. Web. 27 Mar. 2012.
"Texas enacts law to aid human-trafficking victims." The Christian Century 126.19 (2009): 17. Academic OneFile. Web. 27 Mar. 2012.
