by Faith Goodwin
Human trafficking is a phrase Americans associate with third-world countries and straw huts. Few realize that the backstreets of America's largest cities have also become major centers for civil rights violations. In a 2010 report, Secretary of State Hillary Clinton cited thousands of modern-day slaves in the United States. Most of these victims are women and children.
Slavery is an issue many presume to have died in the days of the Civil War. The emancipation of women found victory in the 19th Amendment of the 1920's and again in the Civil Rights Act of 1964. But despite the enlightenment of our modern age, slavery has reared its head again in the unseen and unacknowledged realm of human trafficking.
LifeWay Network in New York City fights to combat human trafficking through emergency safe housing and education of the general public on the reality of human trafficking in America's major cities. Founded in 2007 by Sister Joan Dawber, LifeWay Network collaborates with thirty religious congregations to provide information on the signs of trafficking to bring the problem into the open. "We encourage people to be observant, to be aware," said Sr. Geraldine Kennedy, a spokeswoman of the group. A primary danger of trafficking is a lack of understanding of the problem, which allows activities and perpetrators to operate unobserved. By making people aware of the horrors involved, LifeWay Network works to curb trafficking in the U.S.
|Sr. Geraldine Kennedy and Sr. Joan Dawber|
Human traffickers target vulnerable women and children, who become trapped in a cycle of chronic abuse. Much like indenturement of the 18th
century, women from impoverished countries are lured by false promises of a better life in the United States.Once in the grasp of traffickers, however, promised wages never materialize, and forced labor accompanies mental and physical trauma. Victims are thrust into service in sweatshops, salons, restaurants, and sex industries. The psychological damage women endure under forced prostitution is severe, and their traffickers perpetuate their captivity through coercion, abuse, and threats to their family. "They're afraid to leave their captivity," Sr. Geraldine explained.
Therefore, in addition to its educational programs, LifeWay Network strives to provide women the emotional support and physical security they need to escape captivity. LifeWay offers emergency housing and collaborates with social service agencies to provide services and legal assistance to victims. Frequently, Sr. Geraldine explained, women lack basic skills necessary to operate in society, such as using a cell phone, riding the subway, or even understanding English. LifeWay and its partners give women access to training for survival and employment in an unfamiliar culture.
Although the situation seems bleak for victims of human trafficking, LifeWay strives for a better future for them. LifeWay, in collaboration with others, successfully advocated for the passage of effective trafficking laws in New York State that protect the rights of innocent victims and prosecute the perpetrators. It has partnered with numerous organizations including Catholic Charities and the Coalition of Catholic Organizations against Human Trafficking.
LifeWay Network is pleased to have joined with Mary's Pence in its mission for advocacy and education. In 2010, Mary's Pence approved a grant to support LifeWay's educational programs. "We sponsor workshops and presentations, which require resources, books, brochures, DVD's," Sr. Geraldine said. On March 26, she continued, LifeWay Network, in collaboration with the Coalition of Religious Congregations and Fordham University, will sponsor a full-day presentation called Human Trafficking of Young Women, from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM at Fordham University. Information on the presentation can also be found at www.LifeWayNetwork.org.
The most important thing people can do is to be aware and be involved; and, LifeWay Network encourages this awareness and involvement through its education programs. "If you see something, do something - say something," Sr. Geraldine advises. Call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) 1-888-3737-888.
Faith Goodwin lives in Missouri, where she works for Conception Abbey. As a strong believer in women's participation, she volunteers with community groups and sometimes writes articles for the local newspaper. She has enjoyed writing since childhood and is currently pursuing her degree in English.