Human-trafficking conference: Knowledge is power

Many people simply don’t realize how pervasive human trafficking is in the United States and, particularly, in New Orleans. Human trafficking is recruiting, transporting, providing or receiving a person through the use of force, fraud or coercion for sex or labor. There is a lot more human trafficking going on in New Orleans than people realize. It’s not limited just to the French Quarter.

 

One of the reasons we have so much human trafficking in our archdiocese is that we host so many national and international meetings, festivals such as Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest, and major sporting events. Anything that brings in more people also brings in more traffickers.

 

What’s the scope of the problem?
 

According to a survey taken about five years ago, more than 40 million men, women and children are trafficked worldwide. About half of the victims trafficked in the United States are minors. In 2018, the Louisiana Department of Children and Family Services identified 744 human trafficking victims, and 428 of those victims were children.

 

The number of children identified as victims increased by 20% from 2017 to 2018. Perhaps even more chilling is recognizing that 42 uniquely identified human trafficking victims in Louisiana in 2018 were under the age of 12. These numbers indicate only those victims who have come into contact with health professionals, social workers and law enforcement personnel; we know the true numbers are much higher.

 

In our state, human trafficking victims range in age from 5 months to 65 years old. Anything that degrades human life is a pro-life issue. It is modern-day slavery, and we as a church have to speak out and advocate for those who are being trafficked.
 

It is a hidden evil. Yes. Sometimes we might say we can’t see this happening, but that doesn’t mean it’s not happening and it’s not a serious problem. I’m very grateful that our Respect Life Office has taken a strong stand and that we are actually having people going into certain areas where they can often spot someone who is a victim of human trafficking and offer assistance.
 

Did you know much about this problem even a decade ago?
 

I’ve come to realize the seriousness of the problem over a period of time. I had to be educated by others who know the reality, and I’m proud that we are reaching out to victims. The seminar we just held was really another call to action – to learn more about human trafficking and to participate in partnerships that reach out to victims and survivors. The more that information is shared, the better off we will be. Traffickers are smart. They target vulnerable young people – those who may be emotionally vulnerable and those who are experiencing economic hardships. 
 

What did you learn at the conference?
 

One of the heart-wrenching testimonies came from a woman who is a survivor of human trafficking. She told a tragic story of being trafficked by her own family from the age of 1 until she was 14. May God continue to guide her in her own healing. We also heard from another speaker from Chicago who has organized a street team and developed a drop-in center for men and boys who are being sold for homosexual encounters.

 

The U.S. Department of Justice did a study in 2017 that found 36% of the members of the study group were trafficked as boys. This is an across-the-board problem. We also heard from a young lady who aged out of the foster care system – which is often a pipeline into trafficking. She was one of the persons instrumental in raising the maximum age in Louisiana of foster children from 18 to 21.

 

I would ask everyone to learn more about the reality of human trafficking and to join with other parishioners to pray for solutions. There are ways to get involved in combating trafficking, and Debbie Shinskie, our Respect Life director, can provide more information at 286-1119.
 

Questions for Archbishop Aymond may be sent to clarionherald@clarionherald.org.