Modern Day Slavery: The Epidemic of Human Trafficking

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This is a content trigger warning. In this episode, we will be discussing human trafficking, sex trafficking, and assault, and this may be difficult and or triggering for some of my listeners. Please use discretion when deciding to listen to the show and take care of your mental and emotional well-being.

On this episode, I had the privilege to sit down for an important discussion, on human trafficking with two amazing guests.

Visual artist and Filmmaker, Malinda Baum, and Author, Speaker and Host of the Love& B Loved podcast, Lena Cebula, 

The Stats

• 24.9 million people are victims of human trafficking globally (2017-2019)
• 16 million people are trafficked for forced labor in the private economy in the US
• 4.8 million people are trafficked for sexual exploitation.
• The average age of trafficking victims is 12-14, with an estimated total of over 5.5 million trafficked children.
• Women and girls are disproportionately affected, accounting for 71% of all victims, while boys are also trafficked at around 40%.
• Online recruitment and grooming increased by 22% during the pandemic.

Key Takeaways

• Human trafficking is a serious and widespread problem that encompasses not just sexual exploitation but also forced labor in the private economy.
• There are more slaves today than there were when slavery was legal ~ Malinda Baum.
• Trafficking is a problem in all 50 states in the US but states with ports, large airports, and major transportation routes such as Texas, California, Florida, and New York have a higher rate of trafficking.
• Human and labour trafficking affects boys as well as girls ~Malinda Baum.
• Boys are more susceptible to trafficking as traffickers find it easier to target them.
• Recruitment for trafficking often happens through grooming, which can involve building trust with the victim through activities such as sports, online games, and hanging out on the street corner ~ Malinda Baum.
• For girls, sex trafficking often involves grooming through manipulation, fear, isolation, guilt, and shame ~Lena Cebula.
• Traffickers often play on our human need for love, belonging, community, and care.
• Risk factors for human trafficking include dysfunctional families, substance abuse, and mental health issues  ~Lena Cebula.

Signs that someone is being trafficked

The signs that someone may be in a trafficking situation, include secretive behavior, depression, paranoia, and changes in behavior such as using drugs or skipping school, grades dropping, unexplainable tattoos, unusual calls, doing things out of their income level and lots more. It is important to talk to individuals, especially children, and ask questions if there is suspicion that someone may be in a trafficking situation.

If you have been a victim or you know a victim of human trafficking, regardless of your journey remember you are never alone, you are significant and your life is valuable. It is possible to be successful and thrive after trauma. If you need help or resources please contact:

 About The Guests

Malinda Baum is a talented visual artist who combines

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