What is Human Trafficking?
Until I did research for Blood Ransom, I had no idea that slavery was still a huge global issue. According to the Polaris Project's Action Center, "Human trafficking is the second largest and fastest growing criminal industry in the world. Victims experience a loss of freedom and exploitation at the hands of their traffickers who buy and sell them in pursuit of profit. As a result, human trafficking is commonly known as modern-day slavery.
In human trafficking situations, traffickers gain complete control over victims and force them into the labor, services, or commercial sex industry in order to generate profit from their labor and commercial sex acts. Some of the forms of violence traffickers use to control their victims include brutal beatings, rape, lies and deception, threats of serious harm or familial harm, and psychological abuse."
Victims can be anyone. U.S. citizens or foreign nationals, any race, mail or female, child or adult, rich or poor, educated or uneducated. And the situation isn't limited to exotic locals. The US State Department estimates that there are around 16,000 people trafficked into the US annually. And thousands of American children are lured into the industry every year.
RESCUED CHILDREN IN GHANA
There are people who are trying to make a difference and who are determined to put an end to this horror. Touch A Life Foundation, for example, are working with a children's home in Ghana where they rescue children working as slaves and give them hope. For a more personal look at what is being done, I'll be interviewing Rachel from this organization on my Inspired blog next week.
Thanks so much to the Polaris Project for allowing me to post this video and much of this information. And for Touch a Life Foundation for the photo. For more information on how you can find out more and get involved, visit these websites.
Touch A Life Foundation
Polaris Project
Not For Sale Campaign
Be blessed today!
Lisa
This contest is limited to the US/Canada. Void where prohibited; the odds of winning depend on the number of entrants. Entering the giveaway is considered a confirmation of eligibility on behalf of the enterer in accord with these rules and any pertaining local/federal/international laws.
I had no idea human trafficking was so bad or so widespread. Thanks for opening my eyes,
ReplyDeletean eye opening posting...and thanks for the opportunity to read 'blood ransom'
ReplyDeletekarenk
kmkuka(at)yahoo(Dot)Com
I too, had no idea of how huge this problem is and how many lives are at stake. With awareness and action we can bring hope into the lives of those lost in this dark place.
ReplyDeleteA brave topic, Lisa. I wish you all the best for this book. Blessings from your co-moderator of CWG South Africa!
ReplyDeleteShirl
I applaud those who are willing to write about tough issues of today--this is one of them. Thank you!
ReplyDeleteI would love to win this book. Please enter me. Thank you.
desertrose5173 at gmail dot com
One issue I'd like to be written about is abortion in a manner that people would see it for what it really is. That's my soap box!
The research alone must have broken your heart. Thank you for writing about such a difficult topic.
ReplyDeleteMay the book go farther than you ever imagined,
Jennifer Arrington
On Ancestory last night of Emmit Smith (football player,) it showed Africa, where his family was originally from. Even today there was a FULL orphanage of beautiful little ones who are IN the situation you are writing about. Only recently I've become aware of this horror. My heart breaks for these beautiful people. I am VERY interested in your book which I'm sure will include lots of history.
ReplyDeleteAlene
Great post. Please enter me. I have been waiting for this one to come to the stores.Blessings
ReplyDeletetarenn98[at]yahoo[dot]com
It's so sad to see that stuff is still going on in the world. it just shows how sheltered we really are. thank you for opening my eyes.
ReplyDeleteI would love to read your book and learn more.
God Bless, Alesha
somedayinafrica@hotmail.com
Thanks so much for all of you who have stopped by and for your great comment. And beyond the horror of what is happening, there is hope. Next week I'll be interviewing a woman who is in Africa right now where they have rescued a number of children and given these sweet children a new start on life!
ReplyDeleteThanks for posting this. The human trafficing issue has been a big concern and I wanted to get involved/help. I will check out the links you left.
ReplyDeletewsmarple/at/gmail/dot/com
WOW! I had no idea.. thanks for sharing
ReplyDeleteThanks so much for stopping by. On Friday I'll be interviewing a lady who's working to make a difference in the lives of some of these children!
ReplyDelete