JeanAnne Roberts
~ Mrs. DC America 2020 ~
Copa Style Magazine Pageant/Fashion Events Columnist
Human trafficking is truly an American problem. Roughly 100,000 to 150,000 human trafficking victims are held as commercial sex slaves. 96% of trafficking victims are women and girls. About 50% are children. Every 2.5 hours a child is taken by a human trafficker. These statistics are heartbreaking.
The top three states with the most human trafficking are: California, Texas and Florida. Even though we are not in the top three states, this still is happening in Washington, DC, and the DMV.
Preventing human trafficking starts in the community. We must be aware and alert to family, friends and neighbors. Some questions to ask include: has this person begun to withdraw from normal family activities; has a child stopped attending school; have you noticed a dramatic change in the person's behavior; does this person seem disoriented and does the person appear malnourished. These are just a few examples of what to look for in victims.
On a Global Scale, some of the most vulnerable populations of society are targeted including : non-citizens,, migrants, refugees ,teens , children without homes, runaways, members of minority groups and history of people with substance abuse.
There are many ways to help prevent human trafficking. The first is through attending events in your area that raise money such as Washington D.C. "Wemodel" which is an Annual Fashion Gala produced by Patricia Watts. This show will be held at the MGM on April 23rd. Another way to help is donating to organizations such as deliverfund.org. This organization uses donations, cutting edge technology and training that equips law enforcement to prevent trafficking before it starts and rescues those still in bondage. And lastly , be aware and report any suspicious activity to the local police. Together as a community, state and country we can make a difference and stop this crime
There are many ways to help prevent human trafficking. The first is through attending events in your area that raise money such as Washington D.C. "WEModel USA" which is an Annual Fashion Gala produced by Patricia Watts. This show will be held at the MGM on April 23rd. Another way to help is donating to organizations such as deliverfund.org. This organization uses donations, cutting edge technology and training that equips law enforcement to prevent trafficking before it starts and rescues those still in bondage. And lastly, be aware and report any suspicious activity to the local police. Together as a community, state and country we can make a difference and stop this crime.
Mrs. DC America 2020, Co/producer and Pageant Director for Mr. DC 2022
Mrs. DC America 2020, Co/producer and Pageant Director for Mr. DC 2022