Sunday, March 21, 2010

DID YOU KNOW: Human Trafficking

DID YOU KNOW:     In June 2003, the FBI in conjunction with the Department of Justice Child Exploitation and Obscenity Section and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children launched the Innocence Lost National Initiative. Their combined efforts were aimed at addressing the growing problem of domestic sex trafficking of children in the United States. In the five years since its inception, the initiative has resulted in the development of 24 dedicated task forces and working groups throughout the U.S. involving federal, state and local law agencies working in tandem with U.S. Attorney's Offices.

Statistics (as of June 2008)
     Children Recovered: 433
     Seizures: Over $3 million
     Convictions: 308
     Task Forces and Working Groups: 24

Investigations have successfully led to the conviction of more than 300 pimps, madams, and their associates who exploit children and women through prostitution. These convictions have resulted in lengthy sentences including multiple 25-year-to-life sentences and the seizure of real property, vehicles, and monetary assets.

8 comments:

Paige Ryter said...

It breaks my heart to read such statistics. I wrote a few stories for my adventure pen name where they went to other countries. In various countries, not only is it sex they're using for exploitation, but also body parts. It's horrible, no matter what it is, treating people like slaves or pieces of meat. I'd like to see it all be taken down, worldwide...but I do have a revenge streak against those who hurt the weak and helpless. :)

Pat Brown said...

I did a lot of research into human trafficking for my novel L.A. Boneyard. I was stunned to find out there are more slaves in existence today than there were at the height of legal slavery. One book I recommend is 'A Crime so Monstrous' by E. Benjamin Skinner. I also have a couple of links on my web site of organizations trying to educate and fight the trafficking of humans for both labor and sexual slavery.

http://www.pabrown.ca

Kayelle Allen said...

You've inspired me to use my site as a means of helping reduce human trafficking. I've been aware for some time, but didn't know how to help. This shows me I can work toward awareness. Thank you for posting this data.

Dorothy Semple said...

I didn't hear of this before but it is interesting and brings me to the notice of Human trafficking and hope it can be controlled or at least helpped where it is needed.

Pat Brown said...

It's something a lot of people don't know about. People think slavery began and ended with the Civil War. There has always been slavery -- in every race and culture. Today it's most heavy in the Sudan and the Far East. In the US, outside of sexual slavery, they are kept as domestic servants who can be worked 7 days a week with not much more than food and in dangerous jobs like large scale meth labs where they're classed as expendable. It truly is amazing what civilized people will do to other people in the name of profit.

D.Semple said...

Interesting information I will read the blog next week. D.Semple

rm2h said...

Just think how many more who are trapped in this abusive situation.

Cynthia Sherrick said...

How frightening to learn about this tragic subject.