As women, we are warned so much about the dangers of being out alone from a young age. Many of us grow up to be cautious of our surroundings. Although we are doing better on spreading some awareness, human trafficking and sex trafficking are still WIDELY happening in the United States and throughout the World. Anyone can become a victim of human trafficking at any time, but through spreading awareness, we can better protect ourselves and our loved ones.
Who are the Victims of Human Trafficking?
Adult women make up the majority of trafficking victims. As you can see, however, no one is truly safe. They will take men, women, children, and all races. As sad as it is to say, there is a marketplace for each and every type of person. Men primarily end up being used for labor, while women primarily end up being used in the sex industry.
Some Statistics:
- Human trafficking is estimated to be a $32 BILLION industry
- Between 800,000 and 4 million people are trafficked every year around the world
- An estimated 80% of the victims of trafficking are forced to enter the sex industry, while 20% are forced to join the manual labor industry
- The homeless are more likely to be targeted
- Women are trafficked approximately 5 times as much as men
How can you protect yourself?
Information is power. The more you know about this, the better equipped you will be to protect yourself from falling victim.
Tips to Protect Yourself:
- When out in public alone, be aware of your surroundings (i.e. don’t be looking at your phone or seeming distracted, as this makes you an easier target)
- If you’re going out alone, always let someone know where you’re going (because if, god forbid, something happens, this part is KEY in helping police)
- If you get a bad “feeling” or “vibe” from someone, TRUST IT and remove yourself from their proximity
- Always carry pepper spray and have it easily accessible (a rape whistle is a bonus)
- Avoid poorly lit areas (no matter how “safe” they may seem)
- DON’T BE TOO NICE, IT GETS PEOPLE KILLED
Not to scare you with that last part, but remember, numerous serial killers have lured women in by acting as though they just need some help and making you feel bad for them. This is ONE OF THE MOST COMMON METHODS FOR ABDUCTING SOMEONE. I know sometimes it’s hard to say no to someone who asks for help, but it’s better to appear rude for a moment to a stranger than it is to spend the rest of your life in captivity. They will live, but you may not.
Brittany Coates 