Throughout January, the Unites States has brought attention to slavery and human trafficking through the recently introduced National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Among other things, the House of Representatives approved 12 different bills aimed at combating human trafficking. This issue is now to be further discussed in the Senate.
It all started with President Barack Obama publishing an announcement on December 31st: Presidential Proclamation -National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, 2015. The bills that are now up for discussion on government level are, among others, the following:
– TSA Agents (Transportation Security Administration) are to be trained in order to better recognise victims of human trafficking.
– Improved service and support for victims who have managed to escape and for homeless victims of child prostitution.
– To inform other countries when convicted US sex offenders travel abroad.
During this month, the issue of sex trafficking has been highlighted and frequently debated in media and among politicians in different states. One issue that has been focal to this discussion is the connection between human trafficking and sexual slavery. According to the Justice Project organisation, the average age of girls who are forced into sex slavery is 12-14 years. As in Sweden, the most common way of luring girls into this business is through the internet.
It is vital that we all start talking about this issue and raise the societal awareness of young people’s vulnerability online. What might have started as a Facebook conversation can easily lead to sexual abuse and systematic violations of the human rights. Let every month be an anti-trafficking prevention month. Support Realstars extensive work for Fair Sex and for the reduction of the demand for sexual services.
Click here to view the list of all recent legislative proposals in the US!