Human Trafficking and Slavery

Human trafficking and slavery affect millions of people across the globe. In fact, more people are enslaved today than at any time before in history.

According to the non-profit organization A21, human trafficking is the exploitation of vulnerable people for their bodies and labor through force, fraud, and coercion. There are an estimated 49.6 million people enslaved globally today, and human trafficking generates an estimated $150 billion a year. This crime impacts all people, with 54% of victims women and girls, 46% men and boys, and 1 in 4 victims are children.

Human trafficking takes the form of labor trafficking, sex trafficking, online sexual exploitation of children, and forced scamming. Traffickers exploit their victims, who can be strangers or acquaintances. Trafficking does not always include physical movement. Sometimes, a victim crosses a border; other times, they do not. Victims are subjected to harsh working conditions, forced labor, separation from family and friends, and physical, emotional, and sexual abuse.

“No one shall be held in slavery or servitude; slavery and the slave trade shall be prohibited in all their forms.”

~Universal Declaration of Human Rights, Article 4~

Human trafficking has no place in our country or our world is a crime against humanity and harms the well-being of individuals and communities.

What can you do to help?

As mental health professionals, we are committed to advocating for the well-being, safety, and dignity of our clients and communities. You can learn more about the problem and what many agencies and organizations are doing to end the cycle of
victimization and bring the perpetrators to justice.

Join the community of advocates this January 11^th, National Human Trafficking Day by:

• Join #Wearblueday in support of the Blue Campaign on January 11^th
• Shining a light on this hidden crime by liking or sharing this post with family and
  friends
• Learning more about the organizations that are fighting these problems
  worldwide
  • International Justice Mission
  • A21
  • United States State Department
  • Anti-Slavery International
  • Project Respect (Madison, WI)
  • Wisconsin Department of Children and Families Resource Page

Amy Racki, Counselor-in-Training at HEART Counseling, brings us information on the problem of human trafficking as well as ways we can get involved to help.