These words, "human trafficking," conjure up dreadful images of foreign nationals crammed into terrible living conditions while being transported to some distant locale for prostitution and other abuses. It is a terrible picture, but we seldom think that human trafficking happens around here, in our community, in Jackson County, in Middle Tennessee, in 2015.
Jane Jolly, Field Director for Senator Bob Corker's Knoxville office, cleared up some of my ideas about trafficking this morning. The most common thought that comes to people when they think of "human trafficking" is prostitution. That is certainly one area where it occurs, but there are others: Bonded Labor (think of working off a debt that never is actually "worked off), Forced Labor (similar but no debt involved), Terrorism (children used in Viet Nam and by ISIS to blow themselves and others up).
What struck me was the clarification of the sex trade and what it might look like locally. The average age for a person approached with the intent to lure them into the sex trade is 13 years old. The average lifespan of the person recruited is 7 years. In areas where poverty and drug abuse are prominent, family members may "rent" their children out as sexual favors in order to receive money or drugs.
In addition, confused or abused children who "run away," or are emotionally detached from a close family system are targeted and offered "love," only to find out they have become trapped and can not seem to escape. Runaways are usually approached within the first 30 hours and there is usually chemical substances involved.
There have been several times that I found myself counseling a community adult who contacted me about what they suspected was going on with a child in our community. The adult wasn't comfortable, but also was not willing to call Child Protective Services (877-237-0004 toll free and anonymous) to report their suspicions. I always advised them to make the call, but suspect that a percentage do not.
This is a serious issue in our world, and it reaches all of the way to Jackson County. There are children and adults in our community who have endured the damage of the abuse that I have described.
It is imperative that we all become diligent in protecting those who can not protect themselves (James 1:27).
If you see something that doesn't seem right, and want to talk to someone about it call CPS (877-237-0004). If that seems premature call me (931-319-0084) or the local law enforcement agencies to talk about it.
I will probably advise you to call CPS, but we will know more after we talk. Just do not ignore what you suspect.
Wayne
It's sad and exhausting that we have to think about and deal with issues like this. I like the idea from "Cry, the Beloved Country" about why we should seek to love and serve others--that is why we are here.
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