People have asked me what the definition of sex trafficking is and whether or not that definition includes those who willingly prostitute themselves. Here's the definition:
Children and adults who are coerced or deceived into commercial sex acts against their will. Elements of force, fraud, or coercion are used to control people. That control is used to induce someone into commercial sex acts. Sexual exploitation includes prostitution, pornography, sex tourism, and sex trafficking. It's a business centered around rape for profit.
THE FACTS
• After drug dealing, human trafficking (both sex trafficking and trafficking for forced labor) is tied with the illegal arms industry as the second largest criminal industry in the world today, and it is the fastest growing criminal industry. (U.S. Department of Heath and Human Services)
• Worldwide, there are nearly two million children in the commercial sex trade. (UNICEF)
• Approximately 80 percent of human trafficking victims are women and girls, and up to 50 percent are minors. (U.S. Department of State)
• The total market value of illicit human trafficking is estimated to be in excess of $32 billion. (U.N.)
International Justice Mission is a human rights agency that secures justice for victims of slavery, sexual exploitation and other forms of violent oppression. IJM lawyers, investigators and aftercare professionals work with local officials to ensure immediate victim rescue and aftercare, to prosecute perpetrators and to promote functioning public justice systems.
Sex trafficking will endure as long as it remains a profitable criminal enterprise. By freeing victims and prosecuting their perpetrators, IJM operations increase the risk and decrease the profitability of trafficking for those who would commit this crime. IJM investigations have resulted in freedom for more than 1,000 girls and women held by force in the commercial sex trade. Here's Suhana's freedom story.
There are 30 million slaves in the world today.
Will you stand for freedom for others like Suhana who are enduring the horrors of human trafficking?
God, I pray that you shatter our hearts with this atrocity that shatters yours.
Lisa~
