Monday, November 19, 2012

Social Concerns

Social Concerns              Report from Judy Hains




Many saw the display on Human Trafficking at church on Sunday, which provided statistics and a summary.  I’d like to provide more information on human trafficking in the United States.  We often feel it is a problem in other countries, but it exists here.
 
According to the FBI:
“It’s sad but true: here in this country, people are being bought, sold, and smuggled like modern-day slaves.
They are trapped in lives of misery—often beaten, starved, and forced to work as prostitutes or to take grueling jobs as migrant, domestic, restaurant, or factory workers with little or no pay. We’re working hard to stop human trafficking—not only because of the personal and psychological toll it takes on society, but also because it facilitates the illegal movement of immigrants across borders and provides a ready source of income for organized crime groups and even terrorists.”
The Office of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics reports on a federally funded task force. Highlights:
“-Federally funded task forces opened 2,515 suspected incidents of human trafficking for investigation between January 2008 and June 2010.
-About 8 in 10 of the suspected incidents of human trafficking were classified as sex trafficking, and about 1 in 10 incidents were classified as labor trafficking.
-The confirmed human trafficking incidents open for at least a year led to 144 known arrests.”
 
Innocence Lost: National Initiative
In June 2003, the FBI, . . . launched the Innocence Lost National Initiative, aimed at addressing the growing problem of domestic sex trafficking of children in the United States.
In the nine years since its inception, the initiative has resulted in the development of 47 dedicated task forces and working groups throughout the U.S.  . . .
To date, these groups have worked successfully to rescue more than 2,100 children. Investigations have successfully led to the conviction of over 1,000 pimps, madams, and their associates who exploit children through prostitution. These convictions have resulted in lengthy sentences, including multiple life sentences and the seizure of real property, vehicles, and monetary assets.
 
If you suspect or know of anyone who is being abused or taken advantage of please:
 
Report Human Trafficking
- Call 1-888-428-7581, 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CST

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