“I’ve seen video content of a child that’s the same age as mine being raped by an American man that was a sex tourist in Cambodia.
“And this child was so conditioned by her environment that she thought she was engaging in play.”
Consider him acting well or really convincing – the testimony that Ashton Kutcher gave at the Senate hearing this week was nerve wrecking. He spoke out on child trafficking and child prostitution which happens frequently, right under our eyes – online.
Human trafficking is a topic that has been on my heart for a while now (ever since I visited Vegas) and the more I read about it, the more I am horrified.
“How can people do that?” is a question I keep coming back to.
Children are weak and helpless. They can be manipulated in the most simple and horrible ways to do the most horrible things for adults. They can be abused and treated badly just because adults get a kick out of it. Most of all, they can’t speak up for themselves. If they ever make it out of it (many don’t) they are left traumatized and scared for life.
But the real problem is not far away.
It is as close as the ads we’re watching, the clothes we buy, the food we eat, or the electronic devices we use.
It is as close as the low prices we pay for cheap products and constant novelty.
Trafficking starts with all of us – whenever we allow other people to work for us. Trafficking starts when we care more for our own pleasure than other people’s lives.
Well, what can we do about, you may ask.
The solution is equally close to home.
We are solution. You are. I am.
You might feel weak. You might feel hopeless and helpless.
But you can do more than you think.
Think about the people who made your clothes before you make a quick buy.
Consider other people’s lives before you buy a new phone every year.
Buy local food and cook seasonally.
Next Thursday (February 23) is Shine a Light on Slavery Day. Share about this topic on social media. Paint a red X on your hand and talk to the people you meet that day. Read up on the subject. Organize events together with others. It’s as easy as that.
Human Trafficking is real.
What are you going to do about it?
Writing for Five Minute Friday today.
And yes, this post took longer than five minutes – but sometimes you have to break the rules.
thisiskatha.com 
It’s so sad. During the oil boom here in ND, human trafficking/sex trafficking was extremely high. Breaks my heart. I’m over in the 43 spot this week.
So sorry to hear that!
Katha, we support a ministry Save the Daughters in Nepal – the problem is worldwide and atrocious. Thank you for highlighting it this week. Have you read the book SOLD?
It really is worldwide and so complex that sometimes you don’t know where to even start. Great that you’re supporting this organization! No, I haven’t read this book yet, but thanks for letting me know!