Human trafficking, which is often called modern-day slavery, has existed in every corner of the world. And it can be defined in this way :
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) defines human trafficking as the act of gathering, moving, receiving, or keeping human beings by threat, force, coercion, or deception, for exploitative purposes.
And it’s taking place right here in Florida. The statistics on this abuse of human beings are horrific:
- The average victim of sex trafficking is sold between 15-40 times per day.
- 80% of reported cases of sex trafficking involve girls and women.
- The average age range of a first trafficking
experience for those served by Created Gainesville is 11 to 17 years old. - 88% of reported cases involve online communication.
- Sex trafficking makes up over 70% of all human trafficking cases globally.
- Every 24 hours, there are approximately 500 to 800 sex ads published in Gainesville and Ocala alone.
- The average life expectancy of a victim of sex trafficking is 7 years because of the harsh circumstances including violence, disease, overdose, and untreated medical conditions.
Fortunately, Governor Ron DeSantis has taken action against this violation of human rights:
The governor will approve $4.9 million in the 2024–2025 budget to expand access to emergency beds for victims of human trafficking and provide additional support staff, as well as establish a $900,000 grant opportunity through the Department of Children and Families to enhance training for law enforcement officers who respond to human trafficking incidents.
"Florida is being proactive about stopping human trafficking," said Governor Ron DeSantis. "Though our open southern border invites criminal activity like human trafficking, states can combat it with stronger penalties and increased training for emergency personnel to recognize and respond to trafficking, and today I was pleased to institute those measures in Florida."
Four major criminal corridors In the U.S. comprise the human trafficking routes. They coordinate their efforts with local corrupt officials:
Mexican organized crime’s closest connection to human trafficking intersects with migrant smuggling. The two crimes are distinct, but vulnerable migrants often find themselves forced into working for organized crime groups or sexually exploited by opportunistic individuals responsible for guiding them through this area.
This is a tragic abuse of human beings, and it’s exacerbated by the open U.S. southern borders. Many organizations have stepped up to protect, educate, train and aid law enforcement in rescuing these people. To combat human trafficking in Florida, grant programs are available for rescue and prevention. Funds to create signage have been allocated for posting all over the state, telling people where they can call if they are trapped in this inhumane process.
Convention of States
At COS, we encourage everyone to become knowledgeable about human trafficking. Since it is not being handled at the federal level, once again we want to empower the states to protect people, especially women and children.
No one should be trapped in human trafficking in this modern age.
