There have been a number of reports, conferences and discussions about the opioid crisis. Now one Mid-Michigan organization said we should also be talking about human trafficking.
Angela Aday is the coordinator for the Mid-Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force. She said human trafficking, or as the task force called it, “slavery”, is as big a crisis as the opioid epidemic.
“Slavery, if you can believe it, it’s a $40-billion industry. It’s number two in the world as far as profit is concerned. And a big part of the reason why is because like when you buy a candy bar and you eat it, it’s gone. So, if you want to get another candy bar you have to buy a brand new candy bar. With people you don’t have to. You can just use them over and over and over and over and over again”.
Officials with the Mid-Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force said human trafficking is an uncomfortable topic and they said that’s why it hasn’t gotten the spotlight it deserves".
The task force is comprised of social service agencies, law enforcement, and faith-based groups in Mid-Michigan counties.
Aday said the group has been hosting seminars to teach professionals who may encounter human trafficking victims what to look for.
“There was about thirty people in the audience and I asked the question. I said, would you know how to spot somebody who could potentially be a victim of human trafficking? Raise your hand if you think you would be able to identify if you know what the red flags are... Nobody raised their hand”.
Aday said human traffickers often target people with weak support systems and reel them in with kindness. Her group is hosting a conference January 30th to educate health care providers, teachers and police officers about the tactics traffickers use.
On the web:
Conference information:
http://undergroundrailroadinc.org/event/human-trafficking-conference-and-art-exhibit/?instance_id=19