Changing Lives...We Can All Make A Difference
We shine a little extra light on our trafficking survivors during January and redirect discussions to their success stories. In doing so, not only do they have the opportunity to share their experiences, but we are simultaneously able to consider warning signs and other factors regarding human trafficking, how it happens, and how to stop it.
Signs that indicate that an individual may have been involved in some kind of trafficking complete a myriad of a compilation. Concerns may be raised if an individual appears to be malnourished or demonstrates signs of physical injuries and abuse. If these, amongst other signs, are readily apparent, make sure you redirect the individual towards helpful resources if you cannot contribute yourself. Also, if it is noticeable that an individual frequently avoids eye contact, social interaction, and authority figures, this is too often highly indicative that a person is being abused and is attempting to maintain their current status low-profile. It is essential to keep an eye out for key indicators that someone may be enduring or at risk of abuse and potential susceptibility to trafficking. The vast array of warning signs to help our neighbors can be found here: https://ag.nv.gov/Human_Trafficking/HT_Signs/!
Spreading the word on outlets to encourage awareness and education regarding human trafficking is just as important as recognizing the signs. Ideally, resources for help, education, and awareness should be spread far and wide throughout our communities to combat human trafficking. With that being said, there are several ways in which you can contribute to ridding our communities of trafficking. Aside from recognizing signs and offering resources to help someone out of a traumatic situation, you can look into joining or contributing to anti-trafficking efforts and organizations in your community. Contacting your elected officials at the local, state, or federal level to express concerns may also contribute to eradicating trafficking. Developing your own protocols and organizations in addition to fundraising for existing ones will also work in a progressive effort. Of the most critical ways in which to eliminate malicious efforts at the root are to spread education. Learning trafficking targets and tactics to make these factors evident to individuals is important in spreading awareness. There are many ways in which you can take action in addition to those previously mentioned. To discover other ways, browse here: https://www.state.gov/20-ways-you-can-help-fight-human-trafficking/
Meet The Author
Emily Falcon is a Cuban-American student studying pre-med at Nova Southeastern University, Fort Lauderdale, FL. She is also an undergraduate Research Assistant for Gulf War Illness clinical trials at NSU’s College of Osteopathic Medicine.