The Security Industry Association compiled a list of typical myths associated with human trafficking that they shared via a webinar video. Saved in America’s own Stephanie Myers who is a political advisor as well-being on the Saved in America Advisory Board member, along with Maurren Toal who is a Saved in America Advisory Member as well also participated in the conference. Saved in America is a proud partner of the webinar.

Myth: Human Trafficking Only Affects Bad Neighborhoods or Poor Countries

Unfortunately, this is a myth that has been proven false time and time again, especially within the last decade or so as the industry has boomed. Human trafficking can and does affect every type of neighborhood, every type of family, every level of income and even happens within America’s borders, not being a problem that only impacts poor countries. This was outlined on the webinar and was highlighted as the growing problem throughout the United States of America. Of course, that doesn’t mean that girls aren’t at a greater risk when they are coming from unhealthy homes or broken homes where abuse is present. This type of home situation does increase the chances of a girl falling for the ruse that takes place throughout the grooming process. 

Myth: Kids Choose This Life

While it might seem like some girls choose to runaway and end up in human trafficking, no child ever chooses this life. They might choose this life thinking they have no alternative because they are in an abusive home situation. They might choose to run away because they become addicted to drugs and are desperate to feed their habit. However, in many of these cases, the girls were started on this addictive process by the predators who were seeking them out. Therefore, in essence, even when it seems like a girl is putting herself in harm's way by running away from her family and into the arms of her captors, no child chooses this lifestyle. 

Saved in America is Fighting Against These Evils

All the evils that are outlined in this webinar are being actively fought against by Saved in America. Our organization seeks to track down girls who have run away or who are missing before the predators of the sex trafficking industry can find them and destroy their lives. If they have already been kidnapped into the industry, then our aim is to find them and then help them recover from their trauma and live productive lives once again.