Help Victims Of Sex Trafficking Start New Lives

(CNN)About 4.8 million people worldwide — roughly the population of Ireland — became victims of sex trafficking in 2016, according to the International Labour Organization.

Sex trafficking is commercial sex induced by force, fraud or coercion or performed by a minor.

Though US figures can be hard to pin down, 7,255 sex trafficking victims were identified in 2017by the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
Countless victims simply can’t reach out. But you can help.

Help victims escape

Learn to recognize the signs of trafficking. If you suspect someone is a victim, call 1-888-373-7888 or text “help” to BeFree, 233733. This call center is operated by the nonprofit Polaris and provides immediate support and local and national resources, 24 hours a day. You can submit anonymous tips online here.

Aid their transition to a new life

When victims can escape a trafficker, they don’t have many options. Some only have their clothes and limited job skills. They often lack social or family support and have nowhere to go.

Compounding that, experience in the commercial sex industry leaves some victims with alcohol and drug addictions and some with criminal records.

To read the full story by Christopher Dawson on CNN: Click Here

Category: Survivor Support