The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime defines Trafficking as "the recruitment, transportation, transfer...by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation.”

In other words, human trafficking is modern-day slavery.

It is also a multimillion dollar industry affecting people worldwide, crossing every cultural boundary.

However, according to a study by the Institute on Domestic Violence & Sexual Assault (IDVSA) at The University of Texas in Austin, “There are more than 300,000 victims of human trafficking in Texas, including almost 79,000 minors and youth victims of sex trafficking and nearly 234,000 adult victims of labor trafficking.”

This is an issue that is prevalent within our own state of Texas and is closer to us than we think.

With such a big urban center, not only are many victimized into the trap of human trafficking but also we, the privileged, are easily distracted by our own busy lives of comfort to even notice the horrific tragedy that is affecting thousands.

We are Americans, and additionally, we are Texans. We are known for our equality, freedom, and hospitality. I believe if we bring our efforts, finances, and passion together, we can make a difference in our state of Texas and change individual lives.

Therefore, I believe there are three main stages we can do to make a difference: prevention through education and awareness, financing existing human trafficking programs, and helping escaped victims.

1. PREVENTION:

Educating and spreading awareness of the reality of the situation is the most effective way to prevent and protect the people we care about and the people around us.

2. FINANCING:

Established non-profit organizations within Texas, such as Elijah Rising and United Against Human Trafficking, are not only impacting multitudes of people but more importantly, they are in the business of transforming the lives of each and every precious victim. You can take part by donating to help support programs, training, and other much-needed resources.

3. VOLUNTEERING:

Once victims are rescued out of entrapment, trafficking survivors are in need of healing, encouragement, and direction. Join in abolish the problem face to face. There are many local organizations needing of volunteers. Go, jump in, and volunteer!

Call: 1 (888) 373-7888 or visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org if you or someone you know needs help.