humantrafficking
This egregious tragedy happens to many on an hourly basis. The
common theme is that sexual abuse is present in conducting business to
make a profit. Harvey Weinstein did this and so do Traffickers/Pimps.
Both predators/perpetrators, at the time of the occurrences were seeking
to gratify no one but themselves i.e.;
1) sexual gratification
2) control
3) financial gain
The sexual abuse Weinstein’s Victims felt as well as trafficking victims
was and is, they were all made to feel trapped, vulnerable and all
were exploited. I have no doubt that both Weinstein’s and Trafficked
Victims/Survivors had or still feel the ripples of the deep oceanic tides
of this heinous act that was forced upon all. What comes to mind is
– as a trafficked victim myself I know that my safety was and is still a
concern for me. That during the time of occurrence, I was not in control
of my situation any more than the those who suffered at Weinstein’s
hands. Both perpetrators used their position to commit sexual torture
by using manipulation, coercion, and force – to obtain and gain from
their victims.
Sadly, this Weinstein situation, has brought to light one very important
issue I myself am struggling with and that is: no matter how
many experts a task force can bring together or a law enforcement
agency, they will never have the insight survivors have. I personally
am having great difficulty getting this across in my own community
How to Report a Tip
task force. Again, proving that although predators all share many
characteristics the reasons behind why they commit this never-ending
hideous crime greatly differ and so do the visual aspects.
As far as victims go – pain is pain and what we all suffered is horrifying
to say the least. However, there are some differences between
Weinstein’s Victims and those who are Trafficked. Weinstein’s Victims
have received attention from every aspect starting with the investigation
to possibly the courts and great financial compensation.
Trafficked victims receive little to no attention if you are an adult
victim. If you’re a minor, you may get about 15 minutes of fame so to
speak. As far as any financial compensation, most if not all trafficked
victims receive absolutely nothing. With these two most important issues,
it leaves many trafficked victims, what they deem reasons they
either stay or go back to their traffickers. Most important is, all or most
of us victims had our voice and freedom violently taken away.
Continued on next page
National Human Trafficking Hotline
1-888-373-7888
The National Human Trafficking Hotline is a national,
anti-trafficking hotline and resource center serving victims
and survivors of human trafficking and the anti-trafficking
community in the United States. The toll-free hotline is
answered live 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year.
humantraffickinghotline.org
The National Runaway Switchboard
1-800-RUNAWAY
The National Runaway Switchboard serves as the federally
designated national communication system for homeless and
runaway youth. NRS, with the support of more than 150 volunteers,
handles an average of 100,000 calls annually – more than 3 million
calls since the organization’s inception. Through hotline and online
services, NRS provides crisis intervention, referrals to local resources,
and education and prevention services to youth, families and
community members throughout the country 24 hours a day, 365
days a year. 1800RUNAWAY.org
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
1-800-843-5678
As the nation’s clearinghouse and comprehensive reporting
center for all issues related to the prevention of and recovery from
child victimization, NCMEC leads the fight against abduction, abuse,
and exploitation – because every child deserves a safe childhood.
MissingKids.com.
The piece on
page 17 was
made in honor of
Sally Richardson
after her victory
in supreme court
against human
trafficking – it is
a rendition of
her in a photo.
16 • JANUARY 2020 813.682.9364 FLORIDA WOMEN MAGAZINE
/humantraffickinghotline.org
/1800RUNAWAY.org
/MissingKids.com