Tag: sex

Sex Trafficking Examined

There is no problem as daunting as the sex trafficking epidemic. Now the second most lucrative organized crime in the world (only drugs is greater), human trafficking takes its greatest toll on “at risk” young people who bear that distinction because of poverty, social disintegration, and a basic ignorance of the strategies of traffickers that maliciously and systematically stalk them.

Here at JFY we continue to be encouraged by what we see happening in the hearts and minds of the Millennial generation—those born between 1982 and 2004. We believe that this generation of young people, who face monumental social challenges, are ready and willing rise up and tackle the difficult problems head on.

[quote type=”center”] I learned a lot about sex trafficking.  Before starting this assignment I read  stories about sex trafficking, but never understood the reasons behind certain actions. Now I do. [/quote]

We recently received correspondence from a 16 year old student in the Netherlands who asked a lot of questions about human trafficking in general, and sex trafficking in particular. She went on to produce a  report. We asked her to send it to us, and we found it impressive. We want to give you the opportunity to read this outstanding work. Click the button below to download the PDF.

[button link=”https://www.justiceforyouth.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Human-Rights-for-Justice-for-Youth.pdf” newwindow=”yes”] Human Rights For Justice For Youth[/button]
[author] [author_image timthumb=’on’]https://www.justiceforyouth.org/wp-content/uploads/2013/03/Demi-Vonk-profile-pic.jpg[/author_image] [author_info]Demi Vonk is a 16 year old “Millennial” born and raised in the Netherlands. She is in her 4th year of bilingual education and in her free time she likes to windsurf, ice-skate and have fun with her friends. She loves the music of Hawaiian singer Jack Johnson.

[/author_info] [/author]

The movie Trade, starring Kevin Kline (2007), is a riveting, true to life depiction of the human trafficking industry no holds barred. On a number of occasions during my viewing I struggled to contain my emotions and wondered if I could continue watching without taking a break to absorb it all. The movie is that good, that authentic. And human trafficking is that disturbing.

The story opens in the barrios of Mexico City, with an all-Spanish dialogue. I was instantly reminded of City of Joy,  in that this movie, too, unashamedly immersed me the third world and placed me at the ground level, in the culture, from start to finish. There is no glamor here. There are no special effects or edited content to dramatize or soften the story.

The characters are unforgettable. There’s the 18 year old maverick son who, himself involved in street crime, discovers that his thirteen year old sister has been kidnapped and does not rest until he finds her. There are the trafficking victims, looking heavenward in hopes of survival. There is the Russian mafia and the Mexican mafia and the smaller players who play their part in this tale of terror. There’s an American man, played by Kevin Kline, who is on a search for his missing daughter. There are the corrupt officials, the border crossings and the weeping parents.

[quote type=”center”] The sense of loss. The loss of innocence. The despair of the trapped. The passionate desperation of the hero to save the lost. [/quote]

I would highly recommend this movie to anyone. But I am warning you: it is graphic. It is disturbing. But it is real. If you watch it, you will be moved. I promise.

Human trafficking of girls is a global epidemic. International human trafficking is a very lucrative business and attracts a very sordid group of organized criminals. This movie will introduce you to an inside look at the modern day slave trade and the plight of at risk youth.

Find it, rent it, watch it. If you can’t find it at the video store, do what I did. If you don’t already have an account, take Netflix (or Amazon Prime) up on their free trial offer and watch it on-line. And when you’ve finished watching come back here and drop us a comment. We would love to have your in-put, and better yet, we would love to have you join us as we seek to stop this vicious attack on our youth.