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Trafficking is becoming a major concern in the United States. However, truck drivers are training to become part of the solution. This article highlights the important role truck drivers play in reducing sex trafficking.
Definition
According to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center, sex trafficking occurs when individuals perform commercial sex through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. Minors under the age of 18 engaging in commercial sex are victims of trafficking regardless of the use of force. Now that a definition is in place, it is important to know how sex trafficking starts.
How Trafficking Starts
Trafficking begins when traffickers try to become the victim’s friend or partner. Leading the trafficker to abuse the victim. As a result of these horrible cases, truck drivers are becoming the key to helping victims. Unfortunately, truck stops are a popular place for traffickers to fly under the radar. Which shows how vital the trucking industry is in stopping sex trafficking.
Recognition is Key for Truck Drivers
Unfortunately, many truck drivers are not aware of what is going on. Without truck drivers recognizing that trafficking is occurring, there can be no solution. Therefore, education plays an important role. Victims of sex trafficking carry heavy physical and emotional abuse. This makes it difficult for victims to get out of their situation. Most victims rarely self-report. Having people on the ground knowing what to look for helps victims tremendously.
Important Statistics
- 1 in 5 of the 11,800 runaways reported to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children in 2015 were likely sex trafficking victims. This is up from 1 in 6 in 2014.
- 2,678 sex trafficking cases have been reported this year.
- The state with the highest number of sex trafficking cases this year is California.
Stay Vigilant
Truckers are the eyes and ears of the road. No other industry has a huge potential to stop sex-trafficking like the trucking industry. Remember to always report any suspicious activity, no matter how insignificant it may seem.
Source: Everything Lubbock
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