I decided to do an informational blog on the topic of human trafficking. Some of these numbers are so overwhelming and disturbing, that it’s sometimes hard to fathom that each number represents a person that is precious to the Lord and made in His image. I pray we all never forget that truth, that each life is priceless.
- There are an estimated 27 million slaves in the world today– more than any other time in history.
- The total market value of human trafficking is estimated to be in excess of $32 billion (U.N.)
- After drug dealing, human trafficking (both sex trafficking and trafficking for forced labor) is tied with the illegal arms industry as the second largest criminal industry in the world today, and it is the fastest growing. (U.S. Department of Heath and Human Services)
- Each year, more than 2 million children are exploited in the global commercial sex trade (UNICEF)
- 11 is the average age of sex workers around the world. Some are as young as 5 years old. (CIA)
- Approximately 80 percent of human trafficking victims are women and girls, and up to 50 percent are minors. (U.S. Department of State)
- Sex trafficking is an engine of the global AIDS epidemic. (U.S. Department of State)
- The average age for girls entering prostitution in the United States is 13 years old (US Department of Justice)
Some more info:
Some Organizations:
FAAST (Faith Alliance Against Slavery and Trafficking)
Not For Sale Campaign
Project Rescue
Born 2 Fly (one of many local central Florida organizations)
Some Books:
Beyond the Soiled Curtain (David and Beth Grant)
Escaping the Devil’s Bedroom (Dawn Herzog Jewell)
Priceless (Tom Davis)
