A fancy post-modern phrase meaning “slavery”. It still goes on. It happens around the world. It happens to women, men, and children. To our shame it happens here in America, across the country.
According to police statistics, human trafficking is the fastest-growing crime in America, outstripping even the drug trade in rate of growth. It’s lucrative. And because it involves so much shame and fear, it remains largely hidden.
I’ve been meaning to post about human trafficking ever since an Episcopal priest came to our seminary to talk about anti-human-trafficking efforts he is helping lead. I also learned there are anti-human-trafficking groups and ministries right here in Western Pennsylvania. Sadly, they’re here because they’re needed.
There is a lot more I could say, and God willing, a lot more I will say in the future, about these efforts. For now I will only say this: if anyone reading this witnesses human trafficking going on, or suspects it, please report it to the police immediately. And if someone imprisoned by traffickers should see this, know that help is available, that you CAN be free again. Run to the nearest church or local authority immediately and ask for asylum.
There are no words to describe the pain, despair, and suffering human traffickers cause. If you’ve never heard about it before — or even if you have — I highly recommend the movie below as a first step in getting to know the truth. It’s based on a real-life story that took place in Sweden. Hard to watch but worth seeing. (click the cc button to see subtitles)
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