An average American definition of human trafficking involves girls in cages, the brothels of India, and the movie Taken. However, the truth is that human trafficking is a secular issue that is increasing too rapidly. It is also a crisis that America is not immune to. Sex slavery happens in the suburb of Texas that I live in just like it occurs in New York or LA. The prostitute on the side of the road or the neighbor who always seems to be getting into trouble just might be victims in need of help.

Human trafficking victims are not always kidnapped and forced to serve as slaves. In many Asian countries, men travel to different towns, usually poor ones, explaining that they have jobs available in the bigger cities for girls. In hopes that they will be able to provide for their families, single mothers or daughters go with the men, not realizing that they will be sold as soon as they reach the destination. Sometimes, girls are traded as payment to relieve a debt when money is not available.

Although most victims become sex slaves against their will, they will not always leave if given the chance. Trafficking rings are big, discreet, and very dangerous. Leaders will not think twice about murdering families or loved ones if the victims even contemplate speaking to the police. In some cultures, going home means being shunned and scrutinized for being a sex slave. That is, if there is a home to go to.

Most girls who escape have nothing except the clothes on their back.

Helping these girls has become the mission of organizations such as Champions for India, Sower of Seeds, and the Red Light Project. They raise money to provide shelter and necessities for freed sex slaves. They teach them how to make money so that they can get back on their feet. Raising money isn't the only way to help. I recently heard about a new app called TraffickCam, where all you have to do is take a few pictures of your hotel room and then enter the name of the hotel and the room number and you could potentially save someone's life. On the internet, there are thousands of pictures of girls for sale posed on beds in hotel rooms. The pictures from the app can be compared to those online, and, by going through records, police can figure out where the pictures were taken and potentially find the victim.

When I first heard about sex slavery, I was in 7th grade. Ever since I have wanted to do something to help. In January, I partnered with Champions for India in hopes that I can make a difference. My friends and I started a project called Outstretch where we sell T-shirts and take donations to help at least one girl get her life back. My hope is to not only stop human trafficking but to turn victims into survivors.

Email me at sara.brooke55@gmail.com if you would like a t-shirt or go to http://www.championsforindia.org/project.php?id=30 to donate or learn more about Outstretch and Champions for India.