Author: Eden Estabrook
When Resident Skeptics was started, one of the missional goals was to bring on people who knew more about political and cultural topics to better educate both ourselves and our audience on it – therefore, equipping them to discuss it more intelligently when about our day-to-day lives.
One area that both co-hosts Connor and Jordan had heard about is the human trafficking crisis – both within our nation and our city. In fact, the NC Department of Administration describes human trafficking as "one of North Carolina's more pressing issues, afflicting thousands across our state.” Recent data has shown that Charlotte, North Carolina, is the #1 city in North Carolina for human trafficking, so it’s closer to home than we think.
However, recognizing it’s a complex issue, they wanted to bring on an expert and are pleased to have had Present Age Ministries Founder and Executive Director, Hannah Arrowood, join them on the podcast to shine some light on the human trafficking epidemic in our city and how individuals can get involved.
Define the Problem(s)
If our conversation with Hannah taught us anything, it’s that human trafficking is a complex issue with multiple layers. Before diving into the following resources and episode Arrowood, take a moment to understand the terms that are often used in these discussions, and what they mean.
Sexual Abuse: Forcing undesired sexual behavior by one person upon another. Children are most vulnerable to CSA between the ages of 7 and 13.
Sexual Exploitation: The sexual abuse of children and youth through the exchange of sex or sexual acts for drugs, food, shelter, protection, other basics of life, and/or money.
Human Trafficking: A form of modern-day slavery and has been a federal crime since the passage of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000.
Sex trafficking: Causing someone to commit a commercial sex act by force, fraud, or coercion, if the victim is over 18.
In addition to listening to the full episode, Hannah provided some additional resources for listeners who want to further their education on the topic.
Non-Location Specific Resources on Human Trafficking
What is Sex Trafficking? (written by Shared Hope International)
A Roadmap for Systems and Industries to Prevent and Disrupt Human Trafficking (written by Polaris Project)
NC-Specific Resources on Human Trafficking
North Carolina Report Card (written by Shared Hope International)
NC Human Trafficking Fact Sheet (written by the North Carolina Human Trafficking Commission)
Myths vs. Realities of Human Trafficking in North Carolina (written by the North Carolina Human Trafficking Commission)
The average age of a human trafficking victim is 15 years old. If that doesn’t break your heart, I don’t know what will. Do your city a favor and educate yourself on this critical topic, learn the warning signs, and take some time out of your schedule to serve with organizations like Present Age Ministries to bring these girls back to a safe and loving environment.
If you’re interested in educating your group about human trafficking? Present Age offers awareness and training services where one of their staff members will come and teach your group about:
Warning signs and how to react
Risk factors and preventative measures
Effects on a survivor, based on science and real stories
Statistics on what is being done and more
Request an awareness service here: Awareness | Present Age Ministries
The views expressed in this article are the author’s and do not necessarily represent those of Resident Skeptics.
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