Justice and Peace
An estimated 50,000 people, mostly women and children, are trafficked annually into the United States, a modern day form of Slavery.
WHO ARE TRAFFICKED?
- Women and children are the key target group, because of their limited economic resources and lack of control over their own lives
- People from impoverished areas exploited by promises of an improved economic situation
- Young girls running away from home or girls from families needing their daughters to financially contribute to their support
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TRAFFICKEDFORWHATREASONS?
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The United Nations has described trafficking in women and children as the third largest criminal business in the world, after drug and weapons trafficking. Its roots are in global poverty and lack of education.
Trafficking begins with deliberate deception. A typical example: Recruiters travel to poor areas, promise young women employment as waitresses, then place them in brothels. Forced to pay for food, clothing and lodging, the women find themselves in a state of almost permanent bondage.
PRAYER for an END to TRAFFICKING
O God, our words cannot express
What our minds can barely
comprehend
And our hearts feel
When we hear of women and girls
deceived
And transported to unknown places
For purposes of sexual
exploitation and abuse
Because of human greed and profit
At this time in
our world.
Our hearts are saddened and our spirits angry
That their
dignity and rights are being
Transgressed through threats,
Deception and
force.
We cry out against the degrading practice of
Trafficking and pray
for it to end.
Strengthen the fragile-spirited
And broken-hearted.
Make
real your promises
To fill these our sisters with a love
That is tender
and good
And send the exploiters away empty-handed.
Give us the wisdom and
courage to stand in solidarity with them
That together we will find
ways
To the freedom that is your gift to all of us. Amen.
STOP TRAFFICKING is a monthly on-line newsletter to increase awareness about trafficking, exchange means for healing victims, and promote actions to eliminate trafficking. Contact Sr. Jean Schafer, SDS at mailto:jeansds2000@yahoo.comto be on the mailing list.
For a copy of a sample letter to email or send to legislators in New York supporting state anti-trafficking legislation Mary Murray, OP