January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Month

by Anna Vann, LCPC

January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Human Trafficking is the modern day slavery, which is prevalent in the United States and around the globe. According to the International Labor Organization more than 20 million women and children are victimized across the globe. Victims come from every background, regardless of education, gender, gender orientation or socio-economic status.

According to the FBI, Human Trafficking is the third largest criminal activity across the globe. It is one of the most profitable and lucrative illegal industries in the world.  Chicago has been identified as a major hub for Human Trafficking according to the Polaris project. The majority of trafficked victims are family, friends, relatives and neighbors of the trafficker. Once trapped, victims suffer from physical and emotional abuse, rape and even death.

The average age of a teen entering the sex trade in the US is 12-14 years old.  Many victims are runaway girls who were sexually abused as children. Predators take advantage of the survivors of childhood sexual abuse by seeking out those that are already vulnerable.  This continues the cycle of abuse and victimization.

Compounded trauma often results in victims feeling stuck in their circumstances, they feel that they are not good enough, smart enough or worthy enough of anything else.  This is where trauma informed psychotherapy is crucial in the healing process.  Core Psychotherapy Center provides comprehensive trauma informed psychotherapy to help individuals heal relationships.

Resources: www.polarisproject.org

Human Trafficking National Hotline 1-888-373-7888