Globally
The Catholic Church ‘s annual observance of the World Day of Prayer and Reflection against Human Trafficking was first introduced by Pope Francis on February 8, 2015, the liturgical memorial of St. Josephine Bakhita, patron saint of trafficking survivors. The Pope mentioned that recognizing the dignity of each person is the first act of care, which benefits both those who give and those who receive.
According to United Nation figures, 72 percent of the identified victims of trafficking are girls and women. Pope Francis has stated that women are “doubly poor,” suffering “situations of exclusion, mistreatment and violence,” because they have fewer opportunities to defend their rights. In 2018, 50% of reported victims were trafficked for sexual exploitation and 38 per cent for forced labor. World-wide, one in every three reported victims is a child.
Nationally
The U.S. Department of Justice website defines human trafficking as “a crime involving the exploitation of a person for labor, services or commercial sex.” The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 and its subsequent reauthorizations lists two primary activities: sex trafficking and forced labor.
The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops reports that poverty and lack of opportunity frequently link trafficking survivors. They view migration as an opportunity for escape, but this path often leads to exploitation.
Statewide and Locally
Human trafficking occurs in every county in Wisconsin. Thirteen is the average age of girls, and boys are often younger. Vulnerability is a common factor in all victims. Milwaukee is a hotbed of trafficking activity.
With so much recruitment occurring online, parents, educators, and care givers have to become more aware of the problem.
Prayer to End Human Trafficking
Loving Father,
We seek your divine protection for all who are exploited and enslaved.
For those forced into labor, trafficked into sexual slavery, and denied freedom.
We beseech you to release them from their chains.
Grant them protection, safety, and empowerment.
Restore their dignity and provide them a new beginning.
Show us how we might end exploitation by addressing its causes.
Help us reach out in support of victims and survivors of human trafficking.
Make us instruments of your spirit for their liberation.
For this we pray through our Lord Jesus Christ, who lives and reigns with you in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, forever and ever.
Amen
(From USCCB handout for World Day of Peace 2015)