Human trafficking is the recruitment and movement of people using means such as deception and coercion for the purposes of exploitation. From that exploitation, survivors typically endure a myriad of mental health issues including, but not limited to depression, suicide, self-harm, PTSD, and anger issues. Additionally, various psychotic disorders including schizophrenia have been found in survivors. The human and financial cost because of these disorders is distressing. Poor mental health also raises the vulnerabilities of individuals to be trafficked initially. Poverty, illiteracy, and poor mental health are major factors that place many at-risk of exploitation which results in exacerbating the pre-existing mental health condition. I applaud the efforts of rescuers, rehabilitators, and those who care for these survivors after exploitation. The problem of trafficking is so extensive rescue agencies and mental health professionals possess a monumental task.
The massive cost of recovering an individual from the depths of a trafficked life is money well-spent. However, I must ask the question, what is the cost of keeping an individual from being trafficked in the first place? We could run the numbers and present various scenarios, but all lead to high dollar amounts. We are not suggesting placing a dollar amount on a human life. The point here is not the financial, but beyond the economic. Can a person recover from being trafficked and exploited sexually or for labor? Yes, recovery is possible but arduous.
Beyond the pecuniary is the well-being of the person. At GRACE, we have identified two major factors that lead to human trafficking and exploitation: poverty and illiteracy. Rescue and rehabilitation are what most think of regarding justice in the field of anti-trafficking work. Nonetheless, prevention and awareness programs may alleviate much pain endured by individuals if they were never trafficking in the first place.
Poverty and illiteracy are the main players that lead to the exploitation of many individuals. Past research indicates a lack of school performance, deficiencies in the acquisition of the spoken and written language, and a shortfall in computer training drastically increase the possibility of the individual being subjected to exploitation. This type of work is not what is typically thought of as trafficking prevention work as it is the day to day work with children and families by providing homework assistance, English language classes, computer classes, and activities that promote learning and self-esteem. The team who raids the brothel and rescues the girls gets the press and deservingly so but let us not forget to do the hard work of digging to the root and empower individuals and families to rise above their circumstances.
Every country, city, and many communities need prevention and awareness work. Churches, community groups, local NGO's and governments have the task to realistically evaluate the risk factors present in their own neighborhoods and take appropriate action. Believing that the problem does not exist in your area is fantasy. Therefore, starting with awareness by presenting the facts of what is known as it relates to your area is a worthy launching point.
Just as an end note, everyone should know that many times the exploited person is exploited because they are simply trying to survive. Kidnapping does happen. People are snatched, moved against their will, and sold. However, many times the person drifts into that line of work because they have no education and no other means to survive-they see it as their only option. If someone had encouraged them, took the time to help, provided a way out-they might have taken the other route. At other times, because of their economic situation, traffickers promise a new start in life but find they had been tricked and led down a path they had never intended to go.
What if we helped them with their homework, provided computer training and some English language skills, and invested in them as a person? This is not a guarantee exploitation will be averted, but what if some were given the chance at a life that would have otherwise ended up in disaster.
#whyitmatters
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