There are approximately 600,000 to 800,000 victims trafficked annually across international borders worldwide, between 14,500 and 17,500 of those victims are trafficked into the U.S., according to the U.S. Department of State. These estimates include women, men and children. Of the estimated 600,000 to 800,000 people trafficked across international borders annually, 80 percent of victims are female, and up to 50 percent are minors. Hundreds of thousands of these women and children are used in prostitution each year.
Victims of trafficking are exploited for purposes of commercial sex, including prostitution, stripping, pornography and live-sex shows. However, trafficking also takes place as labor exploitation, such as domestic servitude, sweatshop factories, or migrant agricultural work. Traffickers use force, fraud and coercion to compel women, men and children to engage in these activities.
Each year, in Thailand alone, 200,000 children, ages seven to fifteen, are sexually exploited and trafficked. That is a staggering 23 children every hour!
Serving Our World has built homes called the “Good Life Home” out where these children are so easily preyed upon. Our homes are a safe haven providing meals, education and skill training, giving each child a chance to succeed in life! To continue this initiative requires compassionate supporters, like you, as a part of the solution in this important rescue effort for so many innocent girls and boys!
Resources
The trafficking and exploitation of children is ALL over the world, from the western cultures where demand is high to the shanty villages in rural locations where innocent boys and girls play. There are those that prey upon these innocent children, but as we become aware of their struggles we can all get involved and make a difference! These links will help you to spread the awareness and maybe even help you keep your own family free from danger and this tragedy from happening.
UNICEF - Trafficking For Sexual Exploitation And Other Exploitative Purposes
U.S. Deptartment of Health & Human Services - Human Trafficking Fact Sheet
TRAINING MANUAL for Combating Trafficking in Women and Children
U.S. Deptartment of State - The Link Between Prostitution And Sex Trafficking
U.S. Government Trafficking Related Links
The Victims Of Trafficking And Violence Protection Act Of 2000
Assessment Of U.S. Activities To Combat Trafficking In Persons (August 2003)
Office Of Refugee Resettlement Trafficking Efforts
Office For Victims Of Crime Trafficking Efforts
