PLEASE RESPOND TO THE POST

Human trafficking is something that happens every day, whether we see it or not. "Perpetrators of human trafficking often target people who are poor, vulnerable, living in an unsafe situation, or searching for a better life. Victims can come from all backgrounds and become trapped in different locations and situations" (CDC 2022). There is a difference between sex trafficking with children vs women. With children, there is more "opportunity" for sex trafficking to occur. It is said that 1 in 10 children will have some type of sexual abuse by their 18th birthday. Children are also far more likely to not know about what's happening in a sex trafficking scandal. Unfortunately, children are also more likely to be trafficked by a family member or close friend versus being grabbed by a stranger. According to the Darkness to Light, there are 5 steps to protecting our children. These 5 steps include "Learning the facts, minimize opportunities, talk about it, recognize the signs and react responsibly" (Darkness to Light 2020). There are many ways that traffickers lure their victims. One of the biggest ways this happens is through grooming. Grooming is "Manipulative behaviors that the abuser uses to gain access to a potential victim, coerce them to agree to the abuse, and reduce the risk of being caught. While these tactics are used most often against younger kids, teens and vulnerable adults are also at risk" (RAINN, 2020). This also shows though Maslow's hierarchy of needs. They usually oversee psychological needs, safety and security, and love or belonging. Three ways to help stop sex trafficking include preventing, restoring and bringing justice. We can prevent by explaining warning signs or factors with sex trafficking. Restore by aiding and empowering survivors. Finally, working hand and hand with the government to strengthen laws, so these traffickers can go to jail for their acts.