When we arrived to Swaziland, we were given an opportunity to watch the TV movie, “Human Trafficking.” My team was busy that night and did not see the movie. I knew that I wanted to watch it before coming to Asia where it is known for trafficking and prostitution. I had gotten busy and its not just one of those light and fluffy, I’ll-watch- it-while-I-fall-asleep- movie. We ended up watching it the night before we left for Thailand. As I was watching it, I kept thinking that if I was at home in America on my couch and in my house, it would just be a sad movie, but to know that the next day we were entering life where this was real, brought a completely different view and mood.
When we got here to Thailand I was aware of what I could face and after you begin to see faces, meet people, hear personal stories, you can’t help but let it get to your heart. Here are some statistics and how I have seen evidence to support them:
1. “In Thailand , it is estimated that between 300,000 to 2.8 million women are involved in prostitution, as well as almost 500,000 children. (CATW – Asia pacific, 1996). The ironic thing is that prostitution is
illegal in Thailand, but due to the amount of tourists that the prostitution brings in, nothing is done about it. On Tuesday night, we went out to the bars to meet some of the girls. While just walking on the street, we watched a police officer arrest a prostitute and then let her go for a mere 200baht, less than $10.
2. “It is commonly reported that 60% of foreign men who come to Thailand participate in the sex industry. 75% of Thai men surveyed in a Harvard study admitted they had been with a prostitute.” (Nightlight Brochure.) As we walk around the street at night, we see many middle-aged, well young and old too, white American men. I can’t help to immediately be disgusted in my heart at what they are probably here for. It saddens me that is my first conclusion when I see the men. Although it is hard to get past the disgust, we have been reminded that they are broken human beings just like us. They are lost and looking for love, affirmation, etc. I have begun to pray for the men when I see them, but it is definitely hard sometimes!
3. “According to a CIA report, 700,000 to 2 million women and children globally are victimized by traffickers each year.” (NightLight Brochure.) The other day we met some people who are directly involved in rescuing some women who were trafficked and are helping to send them back to thier home country. This stuff is real and in our faces.
4. “Prostitues suffer from sexually transmitted diseases, as well as many other related illnesses, acute anxiety, depression, insomnia, flashbacks, and emotional numbing. Coping mechanisms may include alcohol, durgs, mental breakdown, suicide, homosexuality, self-mutilation, and abortion.” (NightLight Brochure.) The organization we are working with is in the process of conducting health surveys with the women. As I listened to the interviews today, I heard many women complain of suffering from these things. Most of these women are intellectually and emotionally immature. Most of them have only a 6th grade education and due to the intese trauma of sexual abuse most function emotionally at a younger level. This is common with anyone who has experienced sexual abuse.
So, just a little information to begin opening eyes and breaking hearts for the hurting people in Asia. It has been a crazy busy week and I am excited for tomorrow morning because I have some free time to process this week, what I’ve seen, what I’ve heard, what I’ve felt, what I’ve experienced, etc. We are going out to the bars tomorrow night as well to talk with some of the girls. Please pray for us as we go out for physical protection, spiritual protection, and opportunities to create friendships with these women. Thanks!
