America Trends II

As a follow-up show to the America Trends Part I, this show Part II, featuring guest Joseph Travers delves deeper into the problem of human trafficking as it exists in America and considers the modern methods of enticement that so many predators use to lure their victims today that is so effective and scary. 

Mental/Psychological Terrorism 

Joseph Travers, a founder of Saved in America, explains the way that predators and gang members operate today. He describes this very effective method as mental and/or psychological terror that is employed by criminals to harm children. They use online relationships to gain the trust of kids and lure them away from the safety of their families. Then, they slowly get the kids hooked on drugs, starting on the mild end with marijuana and then progressing to heroin. Once kids have been effectively hooked on these drugs, they will often do whatever they can to keep getting the drugs, even agreeing to some heinous acts as a way to keep their captures supplying their habits. 

Kids Getting in Over Their Heads

One young girl—who has been rescued thanks to the efforts of Saved in America and its team of professional volunteers—was one day away from being shipped out of the country when she was rescued. Although she had fallen for the scheme and was then hooked on drugs, when she saw her mom after her rescue, she just wanted to be brought back to the safety of her home. This showcases the naive nature of the kids who become victimized by the human trafficking industry. They truly are normal kids who get in way over their heads. 

Brittanee Drexel’s Legacy Lives On

As the episode closes, the topic of Brittanee Drexel’s legacy is discussed. This young 17-year-old was kidnapped while on vacation in South Carolina and later, beaten, raped, and ultimately killed. Her story helped launch the founding of Saved in America as it highlighted the immense problem that existed in America related to human trafficking. Brittanee’s mom to remember and honor her daughter’s life created a Brittanee Drexel scholarship to be awarded to a victim of human trafficking. This honors her life and highlights the importance of her story as it has led to the saving of many other girls.