January is designated as Human Trafficking Awareness Month
January is designated as Human Trafficking Awareness Month
Established in 2010 by presidential proclamation, January is devoted to raising awareness for the fight against child exploitation, forced labor and human trafficking.
According to the U.S. Department of State, the month is dedicated to acknowledging the efforts made by domestic and foreign governments; domestic and foreign anti-trafficking entities; law enforcement officials; survivor advocates; faith-based communities; businesses, and private citizens who offer immediate and after care assistance; and at times, survivors themselves.
But do we – the citizens of St. Augustine – understand what human trafficking really is?
The Florida Department of Health/St. Johns defines human trafficking as the “recruitment, harboring, transporting, providing, or obtaining, by any means, a person for labor or services involving forced labor, slavery or servitude in any industry, such as forced or coerced participation in agriculture, prostitution, manufacturing, or other industries or in domestic service or marriage.*
With staggering statistics that fluctuate daily, the U.S. is ranked as one of world’s worst countries for human trafficking. According to the Bureau of Justice, to date, Florida ranks third behind California and Texas for the highest cases of human trafficking.
Adding insult to injury, the American Psychological Association described the psychological effects suffered by victims as devastating. Severe mental consequences include anxiety disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder, depression and substance abuse.
“Studies show that women who have been trafficked for sex have higher levels of fear, are more isolated, and have greater trauma and mental health needs than other victims of crime,” the association said.
“Trafficked women and girls also encounter high rates of physical and sexual violence, memory loss, sexually transmitted diseases, and traumatic brain injuries.”
While we may understand the tenants of human trafficking, forced labor and child exploitation, are we willing to accept that it’s happening here in America’s oldest city?
The St. Augustine Record sat down the Darlene (Dar) Christianson, a member of the Northeast Florida Conductors Team for Operation Underground Railroad (O.U.R. NE FL Conductors Club, O.U.R.). Christianson works to shed light through education and awareness of the work of law enforcement officials and local organizations to rescue children from sex trafficking and exploitation. O.U.R works to educate the public to better understand the severity of the situation and how concerned citizens can lend a hand.
Christianson, an Ambassador/Advocate/Admin forwarded Human Trafficking stats prior to our interview which included this note, “Behind every stat is the face of a mother, father, brother or sister.”
According to the United Nations, globally, 49.6 million people worldwide are modern slaves. Thirty-five percent of those slaves are children.
According to Polaris, sex trafficking is the most common type of trafficking in America.
According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, child sex trafficking has been reported by all 50 U.S. States.
According to UNICEF, human trafficking is a $150 billion industry.
According to UNICEF, human trafficking is the second most profitable illegal industry in the U.S.
The St. Augustine Record: What is O.U.R. and what is your role within the organization?
Dar Christianson: Operation Underground Railroad, O.U.R., offers vital resources to law enforcement officials to help rescue victims of human trafficking and exploitation. We are a hub of the nonprofit organization. OUR NE FL Conductors Club's main focus is on bringing awareness through education along with fundraising for the cause in the NE regions of Florida. Although O.U.R. prioritizes children, we work to liberate anyone suffering at the hands of those looking to sexually exploit. I am an Admin/Advocate for the OUR NE FL Conductors Club.
The St. Augustine Record: Some might question if sex trafficking and exploitation, driven by sex or labor, exists in St. Augustine.
Dar Christianson: Communities need to recognize that sex trafficking and child exploitation is happening right here. This is not an over-there crime. Human trafficking happens in communities like ours and we intend to arm families with the tools and education they need to protect their kids from predators in our own backyard. It’s not a matter of if, it’s a matter of when a predator reaches a child online. As a mom, that’s scary. We need to be vigilant to empower ourselves and our children.
The St. Augustine Record: What is O.U.R.’s plan of action?
Dar Christianson: The strategy for domestic rescue begins with developing a relationship with law enforcement officials followed by offering assistance with a designed strategy and then acting on that strategy. O.U.R also assists with aftercare and if necessary, with prosecution.
O.U.R.'s Regional Operators spanning over 30 countries in Asia; the Middle East/Africa; Europe; Latin America, Mexico/Caribbean; and the United States/Canada.
O.U.R. responds to international government requests to work undercover to identify victims, assist with rescue efforts and then provide individualized aftercare to victims.
The St. Augustine Record: Describe O.U.R.’s aftercare programs.
Dar Christianson: O.U.R. works with NGOs to provide personalized aftercare services that include safe accommodations and personalized medical care that addresses malnutrition, dental decay, infection, trauma to internal organs, and STDs, etc. We also provide education and job training to empower victims with life skills to help them earn a sustainable income. Education and the ability to earn a sustainable income can be a vital for a survivor.
I think it’s important to note that no two aftercare journeys are alike because no two stories are alike. Every healing path is different. O.U.R. takes an individualized approach tailored specifically around each person’s needs. But aftercare is how we end the cycle of trafficking; one story of hope at a time.
The St. Augustine Record: What kind of conversations should parents be having with their kids?
Dar Christianson: Educate yourself on what is happening on and offline. Understand how predators exploit children, beginning with how they groom individuals by building trust. Predators learn information and seek to isolate, exploit, and then maintain control. Have open and honest conversations with your kids about what you know and why you’re concerned.
We also encourage parents to lead by example. Limit your online activity. Set healthy guidelines online and off and carefully monitor and maintain privacy of your own social media sites.
Remaining active in your child’s life is another tenant we strongly encourage. Know your children’s friends, where they hang out and what issues they struggle with. Let them know that it’s safe for them to confide in you. I know it is tough with teenagers, but we must persist by keeping communication open and consistent.
Kids need to know how to be aware of their surroundings. Predators linger around stores, parking lots, gas stations, etc., looking for vulnerable, unaware young people. Kids with phones are distracted. Teach your kids to put the phone down and be aware.
We teach everyone to trust their gut. If your child is suddenly withdrawn; depressed; not eating; hurting themselves; being hurt; or involved in a controlling relationship, speak up. Your child may be afraid to tell you what’s happening.
The St. Augustine Record: Everything you mentioned sounds reasonable and doable.
Dar Christianson: We can build support systems for our kids to be able to disclose exploitation and/or abuse. Parents must increase their education for understanding and preventing child exploitation. And spread the word through communities and schools.
Click here to learn more about what you can do with our own children.
The St. Augustine Record: What does the public need to know about O.U.R.?
Dar Christenson: O.U.R. is not a law enforcement agency that investigates trafficking leads. If someone you know is in danger, please contact your local authorities through every channel available or contact the Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org
Never stop talking about the need to end human trafficking. Continue conversations to bring awareness, education and empowerment to end these heinous crimes.
O.U.R. offers vital resources to authorities around the world and work tirelessly to raise awareness and meet survivors on their healing journey. Our resolve never falters, and we will boldly persevere until those in need are safe.
* Freedom Network, based on the federal criminal law definitions of trafficking.
This article originally appeared on St. Augustine Record: January is designated as Human Trafficking Awareness Month
