Merriam-Webster's dictionary lists the definition of a runaway as “one that runs away from danger, duty, or restraint.” Ironically, when it comes to the human trafficking industry, the reality is about as far away from this definition as one can imagine. In fact, according to the founder of Saved In America “If you’re a runaway girl, you’re in extreme danger right away. Instantly.” 

Human Trafficking and Its Tie to Runaways

In many cases of runaway young girls and teens, these girls are being convinced to leave the comfort and safety of their homes after being groomed and recruited by highly effective recruiters and gang members. Obviously, these criminals don’t come right up to these girls and state their intentions, to sell them into human trafficking. Instead, they slowly build trust between themselves and their victims either through social media or recruiters at their school or in their friend groups. 

These predators—made up of drug cartels and gang members— usually also get the girls hooked on drugs, which creates a need they can fill for the victim.  After the girl chooses to run away, they are now in a prime position to be victimized. This is when the predators will swoop in and trap them in a human trafficking ring. Often this happens before the girl is even aware she is being targeted. That’s why time is so important because the first 48 hours after a girl goes missing is the most vital time. After this time has passed, in many cases, the girls are at an increased risk of being sold into sex slavery.

What Can be Done?

Unfortunately, the immense problem of human trafficking within the United States is only being worsened by the fact that police departments cannot devote the man-hours needed to find missing girls quickly. Therefore, groups like Saved In America are providing a very needed service by assisting law enforcement and families to find these girls quickly, before the bad guys have a chance. After their recovery, Saved In America also assists victims to locate safe housing arrangements with rehabilitative treatment they need to come away from their experiences and still live healthy, happy lives. Saved In America also works to help parents prosecute these individuals to prevent them from victimizing girls over and over again. #ChildSavedNotSold