“You cannot look away when human beings are bought and sold.”

— Unknown

Light the charcoal. Sprinkle the sage. Negative energy go away. Today, I want to talk to you about human trafficking prevention month.

Human trafficking is a serious crime and a violation of human rights. It involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit a person for profit.

It most commonly takes two forms:

• Sex trafficking: When a person is forced, tricked, or coerced into performing commercial sex acts. Any minor involved in commercial sex is considered trafficked, regardless of force or coercion.
• Labor trafficking: When a person is forced to work through threats, debt, or manipulation in jobs such as agriculture, construction, domestic work, factories, or hospitality.

Human trafficking can happen anywhere homes, workplaces, online, and across borders. Traffickers often target vulnerable individuals, including children, migrants, people experiencing poverty, and those facing abuse or instability. There are several myths that circulate about this type of crime.

Myth: Human trafficking always involves kidnapping.
Reality: Many victims are coerced, manipulated, or deceived, not abducted (Human Trafficking | National Human Trafficking Hotline).

Myth: It happens only overseas.
Reality: Trafficking occurs in all 50 U.S. states and U.S. territories. (Department of Homeland Security).

Myth: Victims will simply ask for help.
Reality: Fear, debt, threats, or trauma may prevent victims from seeking assistance.

Who Are the Most At Risk?

Human trafficking can happen to anyone regardless of age, gender, nationality, or background. But certain factors can increase vulnerability, including:

• Poverty or economic instability
• Unstable housing or homelessness
• History of trauma or abuse
• Recent migration or lack of legal status
• Social isolation or limited support networks

Traffickers often manipulate trust, use deception, or exploit unmet needs to gain control. (Home | National Human Trafficking Hotline)

What Are the Signs of Possible Trafficking?

There’s no single indicator, but the FBI and other authorities list red flags such as:

• Victims lacking control over their own identification or finances
• Restricted freedom of movement
• Excessive work hours with little or no pay
• Signs of fear, control, or physical abuse
• Living where they work or in isolated conditions
• Limited ability to speak for themselves or interact freely with others FBI

Not all victims will show obvious signs, and every situation is different. It is not the same as human smuggling. Smuggling involves consent and ends once a border is crossed, while trafficking is about ongoing exploitation and does not require movement. If you or someone you know may be at risk in the U.S., the National Human Trafficking Hotline is available 24/7 at 1-888-373-7888 or by texting 233733 (BEFREE).

I have personally spent time with women who survived sex trafficking. I have listened to their stories, and the cruelty they endured is beyond words. No one should ever have to survive what they are forced to do. This must be a top priority for law enforcement and our communities. While rescues do happen, freedom is only the beginning. The wounds both visible and unseen run deep, and the scars left behind are so profound they leave you stunned, struggling to comprehend the depth of what was taken from them. Thanks for reading!

Affirmation: Every person deserves safety, autonomy, and acceptance.

***Don’t forget to watch the video!***

#Thispuzzledlife