“It’s not like the movies.”
Those were the words of SOS Representative Cara Codney on a recent installment of KVOE’s Talk of Emporia while discussing the topic of human trafficking. Codney says most citizens have been exposed to the topic, often through depictions in television or film.
She says while entertaining, these depictions do very little to paint an accurate portrait of the reality that is human trafficking. Codney says unlike in film human trafficking does not always involve some form of financial or materialistic transaction.
Danielle Armitage of SOS says one depiction in media that may not be far off the mark is how predators target young children. Armitage says this is commonplace as children are often less educated or simply “innocent” when it comes to understanding relationships making them easier prey for traffickers and sexual predators.
Armitage says one-way parents can help to prevent the manipulation of their children is by educating and speaking to them on what healthy and unhealthy relationships look like. She says regular open dialogue between parents and children, reinforcement of values and encouragement that they never have to be uncomfortable to make another happy can often make a major difference when it comes to predators seeking to manipulate young minds.
If you believe someone you know may be the victim of human trafficking or sexual assault contact SOS by calling 620-342-1870.
