Human Trafficking

     My co-worker and I were made aware of this link at truckersagainsttrafficking.com which shows a video discussing the problem of the exploitation of young girls throughout the country.  When I think of the term human trafficking, I tend to think of countries in third world status or countries going through political hardships.  This video opened my eyes to the fact that sex-slavery is a huge underground business taking place at truck stops on highways that you and I drive on.  According to this report, young girls are abducted on a regular basis in the U.S. and are physically forced into a life of prostitution.  The most disturbing thing about this is that so many people see these acts taking place and do not contact authorities.  One of the biggest benefits of the technology age is the quick access to information that used to take weeks or even months to discover.  By watching this video I am more aware of this issue and I know what I need to do if I see anything like this going on in this area.
     When people see prostitutes on the streets or even at a truck stop, the first thought is where did that girl go wrong.  We tend to believe that these girls have made these choices for themselves on their own accord.  The reality is that so many girls are forced into this way of life through different forms of abuse.  Some are physically beaten and threatened to encourage them to sell themselves.  Others are injected with drugs that lead to physical dependance and are rewarded with a fix if they do these nasty deeds.  Even more are psychologically held prisoner, either they are protecting someone else or they become completely brainwashed into thinking that they are making the right choice.  In reality, all of them have been forced into modern day slavery which is unacceptable.
     I am relatively new to this area and I find it interesting that Joplin has these extremely busy truck stops right off of I-44.  What is it that attracts the truckers?  Is it drugs?  Is it prostitution?  Or is it just convenient?  I find it hard to believe that this many trucks stop here for mere convenience, but I do not have any evidence to explain any other reason.  Based on stories I have read and heard regarding this issue, it seems that many have known about and even witnessed these actions and have not done anything to help these young victims.  The Rapha House on Main St. in Joplin was founded by a local man by the name of Joe Garman and his daughter, Stephanie.  Joe witnessed a girl being sold into slavery in Cambodia and acted on it.  He prevented her from living a life of suffering and helped ensure the safety of her siblings as well.  Now the Rapha House has several safe houses in Asia and helps many girls escape this tortuous life.  The thing that bothers me is why don't people take more of an active role right here in our own country?
     With the help of the internet, I have been made more aware of these situations that are occurring around us.  I am willing to look for the warning signs and to report them to the appropriate authorities in an attempt to free these girls and hopefully give them an opportunity to live fulfilling lives.  I have been able to see the effects of organizations like Children of the Night who are helping these girls right now as I write this post.  These organizations don't only free these girls, they also help them achieve higher learning and provide counseling that will help them adapt back into the real world.  These services help ensure a bright and successful future to those who couldn't have dreamed about this life before. 
     As a father of a daughter, I hope that you all look for these kinds of activities and report them as soon as you realize what is going on.  So many organizations are out there to help these girls escape slavery and go on to lead productive, meaningful lives in our society.