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Since the viewing of the movie, The Sound of Freedom, many have developed more awareness of human trafficking and with that comes many questions – What is it? Where does it happen? Who is being trafficked? What can I do to stop it? Etc.
On October 20 and 21, information sessions were presented in Aberdeen, S.D., to answer some of those questions. Carrie Hansen, justice contact and cojourner coordinator for the Aberdeen congregation, was contacted by a resident of Aberdeen wanting to learn more. This developed into a collaborative event with Sacred Heart Parish, the Aberdeen Presentation Sisters and the Benedictine Sisters from Mother of God Monastery in Watertown.
The Presentation and Benedictine Sisters have collaborated on issues of human trafficking and sponsorship of an anti-trafficking billboard for many years. Their billboard rotates locations in eastern S.D. on a monthly basis to expose many communities to the concerns of trafficking. This sharing of expertise, ideas and resources has proven to be a rich partnership that exemplifies the motto “Do Nothing Alone”.
While there are two main types of human trafficking, labor and sex, the presentation primarily focused on sex trafficking in S.D. This was chosen because it is both a growing concern and it was held at the beginning of one of the unique trafficking venues in the state, pheasant hunting. The reality of sex trafficking in South Dakota is undeniable; victims are trafficked in cities and rural communities, at casinos, truck stops, and over the internet. It has grown to epidemic proportions. Many times, it is hidden in plain sight.
The presenter, Teresa Ann Wolff, OSB, from Watertown, pointed out that the issue is also of great concern in South Dakota because the incidence in Native American communities is higher and we are home to nine tribal nations. A higher percentage of trafficking victims are migrants and immigrants, Native Americans, women & girls (70%), those living on the margins and those made poor among us. It is important to remember though, that virtually anyone can become a victim.
Prevention of human trafficking is everyone’s responsibility. Pray for the end of trafficking and the victims, johns and traffickers. Educate yourself on the problem and learn how you may unknowingly be a part of it (slaveryfootprint.org). Learn the national hotline number (1-888-3737-888) so you can report any suspicious situations or activity. Additionally, help young people in your community be more aware of how it can happen. One excellent video made by teens for teens is titled Human Trafficking: How Did I Not Know about This? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tF68m4sbh3k
For more information about how you can develop an event like this in your community or for resources to help you learn more, contact Carrie at chansen@presentationsisters.org
