Day 26: Praying for the exploited

By Gia Hughes
LIA Director of Human Trafficking Outreach

Pray that the rescued will experience safety, strength, support and new life.

There are 27 million out there. Surely you have seen one; I’m pretty sure I have. But was I really looking or just looking past? Would you know what to look for if you did see someone being trafficked ... to offer hope of their rescue?

The following is a list of warning signs from the Innocents at Risk website to give us insight on signs to look for.

Trafficked persons are not always hidden in dark rooms, away from the public eye. They are transported from one place to another. They use public transportation. Since they suffer injury and harm, they require medical care at hospitals and domestic violence shelters. Since they seek relationships with people of the same religious, ethnic and cultural groups, they attend places of worship and go to community centers.

To be able to assist, we need to know what to look for. A combination of any of the following indicators could signal the presence of suspicious activity and possible human trafficking.

A trafficked person may:
• Have injuries or signs of physical abuse.
• Appear malnourished.
• Seem disoriented and not know where he or she is.
• Have few personal possessions and always wear the same clothes regardless of the weather or circumstances.
• Not have identification documents.
• Avoid eye contact and appear hesitant to talk to strangers.
• Be fearful of authority figures, especially law enforcement.
• Rarely be allowed to come and go independently and may be accompanied by someone who controls their every movement.
• Work excessively long hours.

This heinous crime is happening all around us. If you see anything that might indicate a person is being trafficked or if it just doesn’t seem/ look right, please call your local authorities or the Human Trafficking National Resource Hotline 1-888-373-7888.
 
Most victims do not call to identify themselves as victims or are not aware that help is available. By looking at the situation instead of past it, you may be the only one that can offer hope of their rescue so they can move on to a new life of safety and freedom.

"But now, Lord, what do I look for? My hope is in you." - Psalm 39:7