I feel like I should warn you, dear mamas. This is not a happy and upbeat post. This is a heavy and sobering post, but one that needs to be shared. As parents, we need to be aware of this issue, know the necessary steps to protect our children, and raise awareness to end human trafficking.
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Human trafficking is modern-day slavery. It’s the exploitation of another human being, primarily for labor or sex. This is such a big issue. It’s such a big issue that it’s almost easier to ignore it. To pretend like it’s not happening. But the truth is, it is happening; and it’s happening in our country, in our state, and even our own city.
However, there is something we can do about it! A good place to start would be to check out your local organizations involved in fighting against human trafficking. Corpus Christi has a few organizations dedicated to ending this injustice.
New Life Refuge Ministries has educated thousands of people on the issue of human trafficking, and they are currently working on building cottages for underage victims of sex trafficking to provide the help they need.
The Coastal Bend Coalition Against Modern Day Slavery is another organization dedicated to raising awareness in our communities.
The Rescue House of South Texas aims to rescue and restore victims of human trafficking by providing a place for victims to recover and transition.
Here are some events going on in the near future:
Celebration of Courage Boots and Bling Ball– January 27, 2017 6:30PM
Keeping Kids Safe: Fun Event– January 28, 2017 11:00AM-3:00PM
Race Against Traffic 5K– February 4, 2017
To find out ways you can contribute, check out the websites of these organizations and follow them on social media! They have lots of events going on this month and in the future. Know of another local organization or event working to raise awareness and end human trafficking? We’d love to hear from you in the comments below!