Dec 4, 2009

What Happened?

We were in India October 21 - November 7, 2009.

You've heard us speak about human trafficking and sexual slavery for the past five years. In those five years, this terrible criminal activity continues to grow world-wide. While the US and the EU are the biggest destinations for trafficked women and children, the largest percentage of the victims come from Asia. Our feelings about this crime have ranged from sadness and anger to disgust and outrage. And that was just from the numbers and thinking about it all.

Last month we met dozens of the victims who have been rescued from slavery. They are living in a secured complex in the central part of Hyderabad India. They are women in their twenties who are learning skills that can make them self-sufficient. They are teenagers trying to discover what a real life can be like. They are girls; some as young as three who have been victims of rape and sexual abuse who are trying to understand what it means to be safe at night. Of those we met, 85% are HIV Positive as a result of being held in sexual slavery.

What did I learn?

Tim: What will it take for those of us who live in a wealthy, secure environment in the United States to rise up and force action by the US government which largely pretends that the problem doesn't exist? I learned that I have to do more! I must share what I've seen and learned. Prajwala is the name of the organization in Hyderabad that invited us to meet their women and children. Try out their website www.prajwalaindia.com for a glimpse at this issue.

Carol: I learned so much - but what stands out for me are two issues. First, I did not fully understand how heavy a hand organized crime worldwide control sexual trafficking. I also had not consciously embraced at soul and gut level that no woman or child wants to be a prostitute. Each one is truly a victim who needs to be rescued. I have a strong voice and caring heart. I am ready now to speak out.