Thursday, March 24, 2011

Rehabilitation

Victims of human trafficking face many obstacles once they are taken out of the situation.  The extent of help will most likely vary from victim to victim depending on the circumstances.  Some of the issues faced include emotional, mental and physical abuse, depression and post traumatic stress disorder to name a few.  There are programs that offer treatment for all of the above issues.  Other issues that are addressed in many rehabilitation programs are medical care, resources for housing, food and clothing, relocation, eduction, and life skills training.  Here is the United States we offer programs such as  the Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST) and the T Visa program.  The T Visa program allows a victim to remain in the United States to assist with investigation.  The victim receives assistance with transitioning back into the "normal" life and social service assistance.  If they prove they have "good" moral character and if they are here for three years while being employed they will be allowed citizenship.

Can you think of any services that are missing for these victims?

Prevention

While human trafficking is a international issue that had spread at a rapid rate, prevention is the key.  The following are ways we can all fight against this problem.  While some are formal and informal, the all help for the greater cause.

*There are laws that promote the welfare of migrant workers and their families.
*Law enforcement should be active when issues of trafficking occur.  The suggested protocol would be prosecution of traffickers, investigation, identification, arrest, prosecution and punishment.
*Establishments who participate and support trafficking should be held accountable by having the establishment pay for the cost of the victims such as medical care.  Other options are also being considered.  For example, in the unfortunate event of death the establishment who supported trafficking should pay for the funeral costs.
*Nepal sponsors prevention homes for high school students to keep them safe.  While at these prevention homes students learn about prevention and go out and advocate.
*Many countries recruit volunteers to keep close vigils at boarders to assist and question new comers to ensure the safety of the new comer and divert trafficking.
*More education and wages specifically for women.

While all of the above mentioned tactics are helpful, the biggest way to prevent trafficking is to raise awareness in at risk communities.  There are many local agencies that raise awareness and help people identify the signs of human trafficking.

Are there anymore tactics you can think of that can help prevent human trafficking?

Rescuing Child Sex Workers

Rescuing Child Sex Workers

Tuesday, March 22, 2011

Modern Slavery - Human Trafficking

PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS VIDEO CONTAINS A FEW GRAPHIC IMAGES AND THE TOPICS DISCUSSED ARE VERY MATURE. WATCH WITH DISCRETION AND SENSITIVITY TO THOSE AROUND YOU.

At the end of the video, a gentleman says: "Justice is what love looks like in public" Do you agree?
What are your thoughts on this video? Does it cause you to question what is it you will do?

Wednesday, March 9, 2011

Human Trafficking Overview

While information and news of human trafficking is slowly starting to get out, there are still many who have no idea about what this is or who it involves.

Thanks to the movie "Taken," there is a greater audience talking about human trafficking and the violence and danger that it can bring. For those who have not seen the film, the main characters' daughter is taken/abducted by Albanian slave traders, while she is vacationing with a friend in France. When leaving the airport, the girls befriend a gentleman who kindly offers to share a cab with them. The men ends up finding out where they are staying, and later returns with other men to kidnap them and with the intent to use them in prostitution.

The gist may sound very theatrical and far fetched, but the reality is that many women are duped into believing that the strangers they meet will find them jobs or be their boyfriends, when in reality, they are being targeted for a life of slavery in the form of prostitution.

For those who have seen the movie:
  • Did you leave the movie worried that this could happen? What was your reaction to the movie?
For those who have not seen the movie, reading these two short personal stories may help to paint what goes on with human trafficking.
http://www.polarisproject.org/what-we-do/client-services/survivor-stories/352-sex-trafficking-escort-service


http://www.daughtersofcambodia.org/my_story.php
  • What are your initial thoughts?
This forum will help to clarify what human trafficking is and who it hurts/involves. The purpose will be to open up the discussion and allow for questions, answers and comments.

Since human trafficking affects more than just women, the following article is required, helpful reading to further open up our discussion and understanding.

"Human Trafficking - A geographical Perspective" by Sallie Yea.
This article can be found at the GSU library database and searching under Academic Search Complete.