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Edwin De La Cruz

Michele Tubbs

ENGL-1301-181

11/30/2020

Our Best Chance

Of the issues that affect families most there is one that one could argue has the largest

toll. Even with the technology and progressive efforts of the modern world there is an issue we

seem to have been plagued by for centuries. Human trafficking and kidnapping thereof can tear

families apart and unfortunately more often than not the victims of such crimes are put in a

situation where reunion is out of reach. The big question then becomes what could’ve someone

done? Of the many approaches people have taken towards combating human trafficking one

could argue that the best would be to improve our available resources. To learn of preventative

measures we can use that can hopefully to reduce the severity of these crimes. Such measures

involve furthering education in various age groups whilst also teaching signs of suspicious

behavior, as well as offering opportunities for those who wish to fend for themselves.

To start off it’s best to get a better idea of what exactly Human Trafficking is and just

how big of an issue it is. A few forms of trafficking can include but are not limited to labor

trafficking, organ trafficking, and even forced marriage - however, there has always been a rather

large focus on the sexual aspect of trafficking (Dandurand 323). As a result of this focus on

sexual exploitation a majority of people believe that the primary or ultimate form of trafficking is

exactly that, but in reality studies have found that trafficking for the purposes of labor are the

most common (Farrell 161). Of the people that do go missing an overwhelming majority don’t

return or are unable to be identified (Dandurand 325). As for the ones that do return, the process
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of retrieving information often proves difficult and strenuous on the victims because they are

most likely reluctant, most cases being due to trauma from the event. Although it has a tendency

to be relatively underreported, Recently there has been a steep rise in cases involving missing

persons, some sources listing anywhere from 20 to 25 thousand new cases the previous year

alone. Might not seem like a large number, but the people going missing are people that have

people who miss them and worried for them therefore the number of people it can affect should

also be taken into account. All this considered, it’s also possible that trafficking can go unnoticed

- it’s not common, but looking for the signs can be a big help in identifying people who are in

need of an informed passerby.

Which brings me to my next point. A common saying a majority of people have heard of

at least once in their lives is the idea that knowledge is power. When it comes to how we can

help against human trafficking the most effective route would be to spread knowledge on

preventative measures. Preventative measures can take many forms but the ones I have in mind

would be taking a more intellectual approach. By providing communities with opportunities to

learn more about human trafficking we can disclose information concerning what it looks like

and how it can affect us. Specifically targeting groups that are more susceptible to being

victimized such as women and children, one such opportunity could be to put in place programs

within schools and other public buildings that both students and adults have the ability to attend.

Within these programs it would be best to discuss how participants can identify signs of

suspicious behaviour or how to identify signs that someone is in need of help. In a brochure from

the Internation Labor Organization (ILO) Some examples of indicators to look out for that would

be discussed could include verbal abuse, restriction of movement, isolation, physical or sexual

violence, intimidation, reluctance to share identification, or terrible working/ living conditions.

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Aside from information pertaining to signs of trafficking there could also be an optional

program that would teach some forms of self-defense which would come in handy at the time of

need. With a recent influx in cases of human trafficking within the U.S. the ability to fend from

an assailant can be a big deterrent from the number of people that go missing from rising any

more than it needs to. The two main forms I can think of when it comes to self defense. The first

of which includes conventional products while the second is much more hands on in the form of

varying martial arts. Of the many products out there the most well-known would be products

such as tasers and more commonly sprays which are relatively easier to attain. Tasers are one of

the most effective forms of self defense, but can be a very expensive and therefore unappealing

option. In these programs it would be better to teach about forms of sprays and proper safety

when handling. There is a distinction in sprays in that there are Inflammatory agents and

Irritants. Irritants are chemical in nature and are generally considered somewhat similar to tear

gas, for that reason it can be harder to attain and even more difficult to justify using given it’s

banned in a few states, but in terms of products available we’re looking mostly at mace.

Inflammatory agents are more capable of harming someone, without the added legal risk.

Generally when looking for inflammatory agents and the overall better form of spray for defense

pepper sprays are the go-to. Depending on the effectiveness of the spray it has the ability to

incapacitate someone with something painful without the risk of causing permanent damage that

mace can induce. As for martial arts there are several forms but given the nature of the programs

it would be best to start with something basic to introduce them to the idea of learning. Some

basics can include how to escape grapples and takedowns that can leave someone on the ground

for some time.

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In the end, we aren’t all seeing and more often than not lack the ability to fend for

ourselves. We don't have ways to influence people and there are those whose greed and

selfishness has taken the better of them. The ideal outcome is to prevent these things from

occurring in the first place by finding effective ways to avoid situations altogether, but it is rarely

the case. Should we be around to witness something we should learn to step in to help when the

time comes or at the very least how to remain calm and be aware of important information to

note down that may come in handy at a later time. Preventing a person from going missing or at

the very least providing information that may lead to an eventual discovery can provide relief not

only for victims, but their families as well.

Works Cited

Dandurand, Yvon. “Human Trafficking and Police Governance.” Police Practice & Research,

vol. 18, no. 3, June 2017, pp. 322–336. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1080/15614263.2017.1291599.

Farrell, Amy & Owens, Colleen & Mcdevitt, Jack. (2013). New laws but few cases:

Understanding the challenges to the investigation and prosecution of human trafficking cases.

Crime, Law and Social Change. 61. 10.1007/s10611-013-9442-1.

Sap-Fl. “ILO Indicators of Forced Labour.” Indicators of Forced Labour, 1 Oct. 2012,

www.ilo.org/global/topics/forced-labour/publications/WCMS_203832/lang--en/index.htm.