What is human trafficking?

What is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery. People are lured, tricked or manipulated to make money for someone else, usually in a way that causes great harm. Children can identify with the idea of slavery as a being without the freedom to make your own choices with an element of danger. Most kids believe slavery has ended. Children may not be aware that multiple forms of trafficking exist. Discuss as you see fit: Sex Trafficking, Forced Labor, Bonded Labor, Involuntary Domestic Servitude and Child Soldiers.

Why Are People Trafficked?

They may also not understand how the need for money factors heavily into why people are trafficked. By making children aware of the different forms of trafficking and the economics of each, adults better prepare them to recognize and avoid potentially dangerous scenarios.

Where Does Trafficking Happen?

Human trafficking can happen with little or no movement at all. People can be trafficked within their hometowns, and children can be trafficked while living under their parents’ roofs. It doesn’t usually happen like the movies. It happens gradually with someone you know or think you know. Florida continually has the third-highest rate of human trafficking cases reported across the country.

What Can We Do?

Pray for freedom for all persons. Learn how to protect yourselves and what to do if we think someone else needs help. Keep the conversation going and share what you learn. Find out about the needs of local anti-trafficking organizations. Become a giving partner or ask about supplies they continually need like, full size toiletries, flip flops, undergarments and hoodies. Look for opportunities to serve as a family with Freedom Park.

Key Messages for Kids:

Educate yourself on the issue, and learn the signs of a trafficked victim.
Don’t accept friend requests from people you don’t know on social media. Traffickers commonly use sites like Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram to lure their victims.
Be aware of how traffickers recruit people, and pay attention to your surroundings.
Don’t reveal too much about yourself (i.e. your full name, address, school, or living situation) to people you don’t know, whether on your social media sites or in person, no matter how friendly the person may be.
Never agree to meet someone you don’t know without first consulting a trusted adult (i.e. parent, teacher, guidance counselor).
If you feel uncomfortable or are hesitant about a situation, confide in an adult who you can help you make the best choices.
Making a decision to leave a situation or relationship where you feel unsafe or are being harmed or threatened can be hard and scary. If possible, talk to someone you trust, like a friend, family member, counselor, or youth worker.
If you are in immediate danger or are being physically harmed, call 911 for help.
If running away from home, try to find a safe place to go or call the runaway switchboard at 1-800-Runaway.
If you suspect you or a friend are at risk trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-3737-888. Put the number in your phones right away!

We're following Jesus' example by exhibiting His love and healing to see overcomers of human trafficking and severe abuse transformed.

You can join us in interceding for wholeness and showing His love to those who have survived complex traumas from trafficking.