Human trafficking is a problem--including in Iowa

(Left to right): CAST chapter president Stephanie Huber with Decorah Lions President Kim Sheppard

A Decorah resident, Stephanie Huber, wants the public to know that human trafficking is here and it is our responsibility to stop it.

Huber, who is the founder of the local chapter of C.A.S.T. (Creating Awareness of Sex Trafficking), spoke recently to the Decorah Lions Club and said that 27 to 45 million people are living in slavery and it is not just a problem in the Far East, but in the United States and in Iowa. 

Trafficking is defined as using force, coercion or fraud to get a person to something without compensation.  It is a 150 billion dollar industry and is growing faster than the drug trade.  The average age of girls and boys entering into commercial sexual exploitation is 11 to 14 years old and the average anticipated lifespan for a victim is seven years.

Huber explained that an increase of exploitation occurs during special events such as the state fair, state wrestling and basketball tournaments and similar events when communities are entertaining numerous out-of-town visitors.

In order to combat human trafficking people must be aware that there is a problem and "If you see something - say something".  It is not necessary to personally intervene, but report suspicious activity to local law enforcement.  She encouraged the Lions members to become "askable" adults, invest in our youth and become a person to whom young people are willing to talk about their issues.  Adults need to mentor young men to value women and demonstrate to them that women are not to be treated as objects.

Young people striving to escape from human trafficking must be shown that they have value and be provided with alternate skills to break the chains that are binding them and earn a living in other venues.
 
Saving victims of human trafficking starts with making us aware that there is a problem and that we can make a difference one person at a time.