In the past week, I've seen numerous news stories from a variety of sources. Last week there was an MSNBC news story on the reality of child slavery in America. On Saturday night I caught a report on "How to Buy a Child in 10 Hours," (apparently re-run from its original airing in July.) I also saw a commercial for an upcoming rerun of Law & Order SVU on child trafficking in the U.S. Other recent reporting has appeared in the past week or two in a number of states across the country:
- Colorado: Sex Trade Hits Home
- Florida: Children Raped for Profit
- Missouri: Child Exploitation Convictions Up in 2008
- Ohio: Measure takes aim at sexual slavery
In addition, there is growing attention around a website called Change.org and a competition it is running called "Ideas for Change in America." The top 10 ideas will be presented to the Obama administration just before inauguration day and form the basis of a nationwide advocacy campaign to turn each idea into actual policy.
One of the ideas that has made it to the final round is called the National Campaign to Build More Trafficking Shelters:
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In light of the recent growth of awareness and practice of reporting human trafficking suspicion around the country (which has resulted in more rescues and arrests), I would like to see our government help fund a national media campaign to build more trafficking shelters around the United States. In addition, our government could also award some of our private, recognized service providers with funding for building and operating shelters for trafficking victims. Currently, there are only a couple of shelters solely dedicated to serving trafficking victims.
- If you're interested in bringing this top of mind for the incoming Obama administration, you can vote here. Is awareness growing, or am I just personally becoming more aware? Would love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
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