Sex trafficking, or modern-day slavery, has reached epidemic levels globally and even within the United States. There are an estimated 25 million victims of human trafficking worldwide, and just within America, there are around 300,000 missing every day. This number is huge and brought about by many issues. One is the lack of education about the dangers, another part is the limitations faced by law enforcement— both in manpower and funding— to fight back against such a large and well-funded crime. However, another problem is a cultural one, one that has desensitized many young people to the violence of this industry.

Desensitization is Causing Issues

One of the main ways that the cultural problem within America is being showcased is through the music industry. Immensely popular rap artists like 50 Cent with his song “P.I.M.P,” and Cardi B with her song “Money,” both convey a message to vulnerable youth that not only is sex in exchange for money socially acceptable, but it's not even that big of a deal, perhaps, it’s even cool. These are just two of the countless popular songs, along with popular shows, that ignore or minimize the dangers of the industry. Of course, the reality of the human trafficking world couldn't be further from the glorification that is presented by the entertainment industry. It is a sad reality where kids who are without any support or love from a stable family end up, often addicted to drugs and are entrapped in human trafficking as a way of funding their addiction as well as being physically trapped by predators. 

Saved in America to the Rescue

Thankfully, Saved in America knows the reality of the human trafficking industry and how it has infiltrated even seemingly safe spaces like schools. They understand that there is a great need to educate kids and their parents on the dangers of the industry. Thankfully, they are also willing to step up and do the hard work to track down victims and get them back to their families. SIA works with law enforcement, not to take over, but to walk alongside, providing surveillance and do the other arduous work that is required to track down and find these missing girls.