Human trafficking is a big problem across the globe. America's status as a first world country does not make it immune. According to the United Nations about 20-30 million modern day slaves exist in our world. That is equal to the entire population of the United States. Reporting is probably underrated due to the potential repercussions of reporting human trafficking incidents. Most of the trafficking involves females for the use in the sex trade but many individuals are also taken for indentured servitude. 

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There are many ways that individuals end up as a slave. Often times they answer calls for work opportunities. They may answer an add to go look at some piece of rare artwork. Once at this location the individual who invites them there suggests moving to a secondary location. There are people who accept their position as an indentured servant to try to better the status of their family. Then there are actual abductions. Be wary of offers in the classifieds that seem to good to be true. They often are. Be careful of modeling jobs. Make certain they are legit. When you buy or sell something with an individual you don't know, make sure you meet in a public location.

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There is no particular type of person you should be on the lookout for. In different areas of the world a fellow community member may suggest an opportunity for another member's children. It could be a person you meet on the street that offers to lend a helping hand, like fictional stories portray. You have to be situationally aware.

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Many people who are trafficked find themselves in the sex industry but others find themselves laboring in strenuous or hazardous conditions. This doesn't just happen to females. Many males are bought and sold everyday.

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There are organizations out there that are trying to help. The Polaris Project is working hard to free people from the trafficking trade. They have even established a National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline: 1 (888) 373-7888 By calling this number you can get information on what to do if you think you are being targeting and report situations that don't seem right. No body wants to point the finger at one another but if you see a situation that feels off report it. If everything is okay, there is no harm done, but if it wasn't you may save someone's life.

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In Tailand, COSA, the Childeren's organization of Southeast Asia is  doing it's part to end the sex trade. Also Urban Light is doing it's part to help at risk young men there remain unexploited by the trafficking practice. A company called Good Weave is attempting to stop the forced labor that dominates the rug weaving industry.

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As an individual, you can organize an event in your local area to try and draw attention to the human trafficking issue. Get sponsors and collect donations. Donate them to one of the companies listed above. Develop a leaflet to raise community awareness. Avoid companies involved in questionable labor practices. The Department of Labor maintains a list of goods produced by child or forced labor.

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Be situationally aware and take the time to talk to your family about the dangers of human trafficking.

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