Human trafficking is a concerning issue across the United States, including South Carolina. A recent statistic from the National Human Trafficking Hotline, identified sixty-four cases of human trafficking in our state last year.
Human trafficking encompasses sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and cases where the two are combined.
Despite the saddening statistics, there is hope. In fact, there is an organization right here in the Columbia area who is working to fight to eradicate human trafficking by educating the community and empowering survivors. They are Lighthouse for Life.
Lighthouse for Life has speaking engagements, does presentations, and offers training for groups so that the community becomes informed about this cruel and dangerous harm on the prowl across the nation and worldwide. They speak to a variety of groups, including school groups, churches, medical personnel, and law enforcement agencies. Any group can request a presentation by visiting the Lighthouse for Life website.
Lighthouse for Life also provides educational resources for people who want to learn more and help fight trafficking, specifically sex trafficking.
As for helping survivors of human trafficking, the organization walks alongside survivors of sex trafficking and helps empower them through restoration. They provide care and other needs that survivors face coming out of trafficking.
There are a plethora of resources on their website with videos, books, and even parental control apps on media devices to help protect children and teens. Lighthouse for Life knows that sex trafficking is prevalent because of an obsession everywhere over sexual images and sex in general. Pornography is also a huge component and is a hinderance in the fight against trying to end sex trafficking. This is why protective apps can be beneficial as well as talking with your children in appropriate language suitable for them. Lighthouse for Life can provide resources to do just that or point you in the right direction.
You can learn more about Lighthouse for Life by visiting their website. You can also sign up for their newsletter, volunteer as an ambassador or even join a prayer list.
If you are a victim of human trafficking or suspect someone is, there is a national emergency hotline. Call 1-888-373-7888 or text 233-733 (BEFREE).
Visit National Human Trafficking Hotline’s site on how to recognize the signs.
