I applaud the work done by the Human Trafficking Task Force in Georgetown. It has been stated that there are more slaves today then ever before in history. Human trafficking has been defined as the act of recruiting, harboring, transporting, providing or obtaining a person for compelled labor or commercial sex acts through the use of force, fraud or coercion. Women and children make up the greater percentage for sexual exploitation.
Human trafficking has been reported in all 50 states and Washington, D.C. It is still rarely talked about.
Human trafficking is the third-largest international crime industry. The other two are illegal drugs and arms trafficking. Human trafficking generates huge profits; one source reported well over $50 billion a year.
I hope that this reported incident in Georgetown will stir our hearts toward the victims of human trafficking and help us to become more aware of this modern-day injustice. We can educate ourselves to the extent of the problem.
We can research local political efforts addressing the problem and get involved in supporting the proposed bills. We can join one of the groups who are making a difference. There are several listed online. We can pray for the victims, many of whom are children.
Again, I commend the state police and all those involved in the rescue of the young woman in Georgetown.
I encourage all of us to become more aware and compassionate toward this horrific issue of human trafficking.
Kathleen Jennings
Milton