While it’s not always the most comfortable subject for some- the reality is that human trafficking is a very real thing, and its growing more every year. According to the United States state department, an estimated 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders every year. Out of those numbers, 80% are female, and at least half are children- some as young as two years old. These numbers are both heartbreaking and sickening. What’s worse is that this isn’t just within the U.S, this is on a global level and across the darkest parts of the dark web. That means the only way we will end this for good is if we all as get on board and join together in the fight against human trafficking.

I’ve always noticed the trend with travel bloggers- how they tend to pick a cause to contribute to in some way while traveling this amazing planet. A way to give back for the opportunity to see the world. Well, this one is mine.

I know most of you don’t know me well yet, but, this subject is something that I am very passionate about, and you will see more posts as this blog grows as I try to do my small part in the fight against it. So, today, on National Human Trafficking Awareness Day, I decided to write a post and speak up for those who can’t speak for themselves.

Every day men, women, and children are taken. Taken from schools, from their homes, kidnapped overseas while traveling, or otherwise lured into it by people they know and people that offer a troubled individual “a way out” of their situation. What happens after that depends on the individual. Some are sold as house slaves, some are sold for torture, while others are sold into the sex trade business. While data is hard to lock down, some suggest that currently,over 80% of trafficking involves some sort of sexual exploitation while 19% involves involuntary servitude. However, no matter where they are sold to, the horrors that ensue once bought are worse than anyone can imagine. They are alone, scared, in pain, repeatedly beaten, tortured, or raped and kept locked up so that the individual can keep their secret. It’s time to free them.

That’s why groups such as THORN were created. For those of you who may not know; Thorn was founded by TV celebrity Ashton Kutcher who stepped back from his celebrity status tomake a stand against human trafficking. Thorn specializes in virtually tracking down victims all across the deep dark depths of the internet. Today they announced that since the start of Thorn, in cooperation with law enforcement officials they have identified 31,197 victims. You can learn more about the cause by watching their video here.

January is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Awareness month; although the specific day is observed every January 11^th. That means you have all month to get involved with the fight against human trafficking- even if it just means sharing this post or making your own. The more we speak up, the more awareness we bring to this heartbreaking issue and help to rescue our fellow humans.

Let’s show the victims and survivors they are not alone. That there are kind, caring, and compassionate people in the world. Perfect strangers who care about their well being. That the whole world is not evil and will not hurt them. These are the things they need to know. And they need your support, even if its just an ear to listen to their story and believe them instead of shunning them.

If you are traveling, learn the signs to be able to tell when you or someone else is a potential victim of human trafficking. You can-also download apps available on iPhone and Android such as:

Traffickcam – This app allows you to take a photo of your hotel room while traveling. You take the photo when you first get there and then upload to the site. Itis shared with law enforcement and used to help find the hotels and BNB’s where victims are kept by looking at the background of the photos of the victim and comparing it to the uploaded photos.

BAN Human Trafficking-This app was produced to educate users about the issue and prevention oftrafficking. With this app, you play a gamethat helps you to learn the different types and stages of trafficking allowing that user to recognize apotentially dangerous situation and help to protect themselves and others.

Redlight Traffick– This is a neat app because it’s 100% anonymous. It teaches you to recognize the signs and then allows you to report the incident through the app which is then shared with the authorities. Many times victims cannot speak for themselves, this app will enable you togive them a voice.

Free2Work- This helps you to find out if the products you purchase are aiding in human trafficking. You can scan the items bar code, or type in a product and find out if that company employees child laborers. You can even help out by submitting products they are unaware of yet.

THORN reports that almost 2/3 of child sex trafficking survivors never see help resources. If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, I urge you to find a way to reach out. The number for the National Human Trafficking hotline is 1-888-373-7888, or you can text HELP to 233733 ( BEFREE)

Happy and Safe Wandering!