The answer to that turns out not to be as simple as you'd think. Generally speaking, people tend to believe trafficking only happens in poor areas or third world countries. The truth is, it can happen to anyone, anywhere, at any time, including in the richest parts of the United States. All it takes is one unlucky person and a trafficker to manipulate them.
Don't just take our word for it. Here we've collected stories from several different countries you can read at your leisure and see just how widespread this problem truly is.
Karla, who, coming from an abusive family, was persuaded to follow a 22 year old man when she was only 12 into what she believed to be a new, happier life, and turned into a first-hand experience in the sex trafficking industry (Mexico City)
Anya, who, promised a job as a waitress in Europe, was trafficked to Ireland
Shandra, who, during the financial crisis, lost her job in Indonesia, was then promised a job in Chicago, a city which she was repeatedly promised she'd have a job in if she came to the U.S. and yet never got to see during her time as a slave.
Jennifer, who, growing up in Columbus Ohio, found herself also being the property of several pimps there, each tattooing their name or symbol on her skin.
Sadly, these are only a few of the millions of stories from men, women, and children of all ages throughout every part of the world. Even in Effingham, where our highschool is located, trafficking is a problem. Most people know someone who has almost been coerced into the trafficking industry; something as innocent-sounding as a modeling gig can be a part of something much larger and much more evil.
Stay safe out there.
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