When you think of human trafficking, if you are like most Americans, your mind goes to a third-world country where young children are victimized due to poverty and other sorts of issues, or at the very least to something well hidden and out of plain sight. However, in reality, especially in America this is a crime that is being found in every state of the nation and involves victims from virtually every walk of life. Quiet communities, upstanding families, and those who are without financial worries have all found their way into this evil world. This story by the Crozet Gazette looks closer at the victims of a crime that is hidden in plain sight. 

Hidden Crimes

Annette Cox, who is the manager of the Victim Witness Assistance Program for the Western District of Virginia's Us.S. Attorney’s Office explains the hidden nature of this crime:

“I’ve learned that people tend to believe myths about human trafficking, and so they may miss it when it’s happening in front of them. That’s a real loss because our experience shows that a well-informed public is one of the strongest weapons in combating crime.”

Cox goes on to explain that the methods as well as the nature of human trafficking are woefully misunderstood in America: 

“So often people think it begins with kidnapping by a stranger, but that’s rarely the case. It is a hateful crime, but it’s not a hate crime. It’s a crime of commerce, about money and coercion. It’s about using other people in a profitable way, without any regard to them as human beings.” 

Saved in America Battles

At Saved in America, we couldn’t agree more with Cox’s assessment. Too many regular citizens simply have no idea of the dangers and crimes that are being committed all around them. That is why we work to increase awareness, especially in high-risk areas like our own home base of San Diego. Here, we need to be on the lookout always for evidence of this crime as it is happening more and more in the light of day and is often a crime hidden in plain sight. Contact us today if you believe your loved one is a victim of this crime. We have successfully rescued over 260 girls from human trafficking rings from locations all across the nation.