Human Trafficking Awareness

There is a reason why human trafficking is such an insidious crime, why this stealthy and lucrative business projects to mass a multi-billion-dollar empire. The term omerta originates from Southern Italy, and it is a code of honor that relies on the silence of a partner or victim. This concept is one that is fundamental and deeply rooted as a driver for these organized criminal organizations.

The perspectives of perpetrators and survivors alike may lie in the concept of loyalty, family, unity but amassed by fear, fraud, coercion, and force. Sex trafficking is highlighted significantly across nations for the dehumanizing and inhumane criminal act against persons: both women and men. Some victims continue to become victimizers in a futile attempt to protect themselves. Other victims continue to become survivors and advocates but may always have to live in a state of hyper-vigilance and fear. The stigmatization of assault, rape, and sexual violence motivates this concept of silence. The horrifying nature of a trauma bond may continue the vicious cycle of abuse as many perpetrators come to victims presenting as lovers, friends, and even family.

Personality disorders are notably associated with both victims and perpetrators within this form of organized crime. Surveying data has presented numbers that reflect friends trafficking friends, family members trafficking other family members. This type of injustice requires a certain level of trust and almost a naivety to perpetuate.

Labor trafficking is discussed but not nearly to the extent of sex trafficking. I have taken a particular interest in learning more about the collection of data. Polaris Group is a D.C. based organization that collected over 15 years of national and international research using calls and surveys that came in on their national hotline. Labor trafficking also involves the use of fear, fraud, coercion, or force. Victims often find themselves in a triangulation and continue playing their part within a tangled web of lies to protect themselves, their family, or loved ones. The exploiter uses manipulation in an attempt to lock a victim in and, utilizing either a lack of knowledge, the understanding of individual rights, or the threat of punitive damages, keeps them trapped within a cycle of forced labor.

The foundation of human trafficking and its insidious nature lies in the psychological manipulation and control of an individual's mind. The individual that perceives a lack of love or belonging may feel accepted, appreciated, and loved. (Victims may come from impoverished communities, broken and abusive households and often may have a personal history of substance abuse) Disrupting any thought of consequences, an individual perceives the concept of omertà as their law- principally if they reside within a country that they feel does not fight for or represent their values.

The unfortunate reality is the collateral damage that accompanies each decision if one tries to leave. The choice to "stay” may overwhelm the desire to break free, as one would prefer a false sense of feeling safe while knowing the family will be cared for and protected. My hope and prayer is that future generations lead with a sense of light and love within their hearts. Standing up against injustice but equipping themselves with tools to identify their own mental health needs and to address their holistic health concerns (physical, mental, emotional, AND financial) to avoid remaining or becoming a target.

Implanted in this notion is the declaration that a country with a history written on the backs of slaves using sex and labor trafficking must identify with minority, marginalized and at-risk communities. Such a nation must BETTER SERVE the people by providing a safe, healthy and, EQUITABLE environment to build health AND wealth. Or this vicious cycle continues in OUR BACKYARD. Trafficking of persons is a deeply rooted concept that did not begin in recent years. The establishment of this criminality is on ill-informed business principles, where people are seen as property and not a full human being. Eradication will NOT happen overnight, but education happens within minutes. The concept stands that you can purchase a car once, but you can buy human value over again. These organized criminal units are no longer utilizing basic methods of recruitment, racketeering, or abuse. Investments are funneled into technology, using digital platforms to protect their investment by following and monitoring their victims and partners. Similarly, drug trafficking has adopted a refined approach to evade government control using shell accounts, fabricated accounting, brazen misrepresentations, and toxic stocks to promulgate their business. Victims are often trapped and, if one is brave enough to come forward- can be mishandled by a broken policing system and an especially broken and failed mental+ healthcare system. These are individuals that fall in between the cracks. Some individuals end up going back to their abusers and exploiters. These are individuals who unfortunately become victimizers themselves. It is a disgusting, cruel, and vicious cycle.

However, there is such a thing called hope. I admire leaders such as John Lewis and Martin Luther King Jr (Rest in Power) amongst other great visionaries. There may be some things I do not know about their lives, so I cannot write here and wholeheartedly agree with everything that would be unwise of me. I do not know what I do not know. However, the amount of strength, confidence, pride, and empowerment I feel in my bones by their fiercely persevering nature (even in the face of death and threats to safety) humbles and enlivens my spirit.

My prayer is that we as a collective society begin to take a stand like leaders who walked this path before us did, unafraid of potential abuse that may arise whether in the space of sanctuary such as the household, hospital, place of work, school, or worship.

One day, what one said could not be, will be an echoed afterthought. Be a part of this story, and write your OWN lines. #Humantrafficking #Awarenessmonth #Educatetoeradicate #begoodchange #socialjustice #equity #knowyourrights #speakout #bekind #mentalhealth #healthiswealth #walkbyfaith