Human Trafficking is on the Rise

It is hard to believe that the wonderful and God given gift of children could ever possibly be abused. Of all things untouchable, as it pertains to the destruction of innocence, one would think that our children would be at the top of that list. But, unfortunately, like so many things in life these days all you have to say is that "it's hard to believe" and viola you find out that you better believe it because it is most certainly true.<br /> <br /> I guess that we are probably somewhat naïve to be surprised to learn that there are those who would intentionally do harm to a child. Sexual and physical abuse cases against children have been on the rise for years. For everyone of us who does all that they can to walk the straight and moral path, there is a credent under each of those stepping stones on the path waiting to emerge and do harm to such an innocent target. Fortunately, we have made great strides over the past few years in identifying, punishing, and keeping tabs on these offenders in an effort to keep our kids safe.<br /> <br /> But, a new monster has arrived that goes well beyond what we have always thought of as it applies to the stereotypical pervert who chooses children as their prey. Organized crime and a very big and thriving business known as child sexual trafficking or sex slavery has become a threat that has tentacles that go well beyond what we have traditionally focused our concerns on. According to numbers provided by the March 2011 FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, an estimated 293,000 American youths, ages 11 to 14, are at risk of becoming victims of commercial sexual exploitation. And that is just the number of American youths at risk. These victims are targeted all over the world and are being taken in huge numbers against their will.<br /> <br /> Once these children are taken, a variety of means are implemented by the traffickers to control them such as drugs, physical abuse, and gang rape. According to the FBI report, all legal papers identifying the victims are taken should they encounter law enforcement officials. With the number of domestic victims, as well as the number brought into the country illegally, the overall count of children who become victim to this enterprise can be staggering.<br /> <br /> The offenders in these cases are much more sophisticated and business savvy than the stereotypical pimp who we see portrayed in the media. They commit their crimes as part of major networks that extend worldwide. The physical and emotional pressure that is applied makes these victims completely dependent on the very ones who forced them into these illicit activities. Their survival often depends on this unusual and unnatural sense of allegiance.<br /> <br /> Law enforcement agencies, who might investigate what they first believed to be an isolated case, are now working in concert with other state and federal agencies in an attempt to respond in a "big picture" method rather than just what they have discovered locally. The issue has reached a level that spurred the passage of a law known as the Trafficking Victims Protection Act in 2000. It is only with this type of communication and cooperation that we can get a handle on what is truly an epidemic of its own concerning our children. <br /> <br /> It is hard for us to imagine such tactics being used against the most innocent of our society. But, it is that innocence and inexperience that actually makes children the most logical and least resistant targets of these predators. As if we shouldn't already be utilizing best case methods for the safety of our children, these examples of a very dangerous scenario should be a brutal reminder of just how quickly the lives of our children can be exploited. For those parents who have decided to sit back and let their children experience what life has to offer and find their own way, be prepared for what that ultimate destination just might be. These are typically one way tickets. <br /> <br /> The views and opinions expressed in this article are solely those of the author and are not those of the Gwinnett District Attorney's Office.

http://accesswdun.com/article/2011/3/237285