Abolitionists - Saving One Child at a Time

A few days ago, I went to see a documentary on human trafficking called "The Abolitionists".  It was about a group of men and women who travel the world saving children from human trafficking.  They do brave work freeing these children.  The amount of work that goes into these sting operations to set these traffickers up requires much time and diligent planning.  Sometimes the plan falls apart as was the case on one occasion during the documentary.  Other sting operations resulted in multiple arrests (which left the movie audience cheering).

It was appalling seeing grown men talk about children (ages 8-16) as if they were pieces of meat, describing sex acts they would perform that some grown folks would even cringe at.  Even as some of the trafficking victims were talking during the documentary, some would refuse to show their faces for fear of retribution and the feeling of shame.  One fourteen year old victim was placed into sex trafficking by her mother who just happened to be a prostitute on the streets herself.  Some were kidnapped off the street or duped by someone promising them money and a better life.  The stories and heartbreak was endless.  During the documentary, one lady in Haiti was selling children straight out of the orphanage she was running.  Many of these children were left homeless as orphans after the earthquake that took place in Haiti.  She is despicable and justice was finally served to her.  How does one devalue the life of a child so heartlessly?  Is money the ultimate prize over morality?

It just goes to show you the moral decline in society. The work of the abolitionists probably won't be able to save every single child from human trafficking, but they continue to save one child at a time.  I cannot state how important their work has become over the years.  Human trafficking is happening at an alarming rate - possibly in our own communities.  We need to take a stand in our own communities. If you notice someone suspicious, don't be afraid to notify authorities.  Get involved in a local group.  At the very least, be aware of those around you.  Stand up for the children of the world; sometimes their voices are not heard.

If you or someone you know needs help to escape human trafficking or to report a tip call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline at 1-888-373-7888