IN THE FIELD DR. KEVIN CONNER, PH.D. A S S O C I AT E P R O F E S S O R & R E S I D E N T I A L C H A I R
I have had the opportunity to travel to several countries and areas of the United States to gain a better understanding of the multidimensional nature of human trafficking. Specifically, I strive to ascertain what it means to be “at risk” and how predators manipulate potential targets. Ultimately, I want to partner students with agencies who are focused on raising awareness and providing services to at-risk individuals. I recently had the opportunity to be involved in a podcast with Freedom 4/24 entitled “Compelled.” The podcast’s goal is to highlight what compels people to go beyond their comfort zones and take action to raise awareness of the injustices of human trafficking. Human trafficking is a worldwide issue that nets billions of dollars while taking advantage of (and destroying) the lives of many women, children, and men. There is not one corner of the globe that this injustice has not touched. Unfortunately, it continues to remain in the shadows and is hidden by myths and misconceptions. Often, individuals are convinced that it does not take place in their area and it is only through kidnapping. However, individuals are trafficked in countless ways with one of the most prevalent being the internet. In fact, Freedom 4/24 has hosted a series on helping parents speak to their kids about this issue. Much of the focus of both the podcast and parent series is to raise awareness of human trafficking. In the episode in which I was a guest,
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we discussed the impact of trauma and potential for suicidal ideation of individuals who have been trafficked. The key point is vulnerability. Traffickers seek out an individual’s vulnerability and work to exploit it. This vulnerability becomes the doorway through which the trafficker enters and places themselves as the answer to the need. Once the trafficked individual reaches out for this false answer to their needs, the trafficker begins to draw them in more. Most do not realize the trap until they have been completely enveloped and see no way of escape. The inability to escape draws them more into dependence on the trafficker. Also, the trafficked individual may feel hopeless and helpless, entertaining suicide as the only way to escape. It is this reality of the intense darkness that compels me to be involved in raising awareness and promoting those who seek to educate parents and children. With the average age of victims being emerging teenagers, education and awareness are vital during these formative years where they are exploring their identity and seeking to gain acceptance. We must be vigilant — even aggressive — because the darkness of human trafficking is a shroud not easily cast off by those who are ensnared. However, for those of us who claim Christ, we have an amazing Savior who can bring the needed restoration and healing through the light of His love — a light that pushes back the darkness and rescues the brokenhearted.
