The Hidden Impacts of COVID-19
… And my hopes for a better tomorrow.
What will be the effects of the Coronavirus on human trafficking? It is too soon to tell, but we do know traffickers target those who are most vulnerable — and this pandemic will be no different.
My fear is that our youth, who are exposed even more than ever to the internet and social media, will become targets to traffickers who troll the internet searching for their next victims. And those who are already in vulnerable situations, such as abusive homes, only will become more desperate for love and a feeling of security.
My fear is that more people will become addicted to pornography. Viewership of pornography has already risen 11.6% as Pornhub has offered free subscriptions worldwide. ReadPornhub Offering “Premium Content” to People in Quarantine is Exploitative, Not Philanthropic
My fear is that victims, who are expected to meet quotas, ranging from $500 to $1,500 a night, will not be able to meet those expectations and, as a result, will go hungry and suffer at the hands of their abusers.
My fear is that as our brothers and sisters lose their jobs and livelihoods, it leaves them ripe for the picking to those individuals who capitalize on the desperation of others who need to provide for their families. We have already seen cases of labor trafficking in Central Florida as a result of Hurricane Dorian. However, this is much more widespread, and the casualties of this pandemic will be enormous – not only through the loss of lives but loss of jobs, income, stability, food and more.
However, it’s important that we don’t succumb to our fears. Because like the Coronavirus, fear is spreading into the hearts of Americans across the country just as quickly as the virus itself is infiltrating the health of our loved ones. And like this virus, which tends to have the greatest impact on those who are most vulnerable, traffickers will reach out into the depths of despair and capitalize on the fears and vulnerabilities of others.
We know trafficking, like this virus, doesn’t discriminate as we hear reports of young and old who have succumbed to their illness. Traffickers are master manipulators, and anyone is fair game to their deception and lies.
So how can we turn our fears into hope?
My hope is that we will take the time that we used to spend running around and instead engage with our family members – reinstating family conversations, game night and spending quality time together. That we will take the time to let our children know they are loved and valued and yes, make them aware of the dangers of online predators. Read Connection: A Vital Part of Raising Happy, Healthy Kids and get free prevention and awareness programs on A-21’s website.
That during Child Abuse Prevention Month, we will pray for hope, peace and justice for the innocent children who suffer at the hands of their abusers. Visit Prevent Child Abuse Florida.
My hope is that we will take the time to re-connect and build our relationships and those struggling with pornography addictions will have conversations with their loved ones, get understanding and the help that they need as Fortify and Covenant Eyes offer free subscriptions as well to combat trafficking.
My hope is that victims will turn to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (888-3737-888), when they can’t meet their quotas and get help.
My hope is that we come together as a nation and a global community to support one another and no longer turn a blind eye to the poor and most vulnerable. For those, who are still fortunate to have jobs, to share their abundance with those less fortunate. Those, who have the time, to volunteer at overextended food pantries. Visit https://cflcc.org/ to donate or learn about volunteer opportunities.
Let us use this as a wake-up call to re-evaluate the busyness of our lives, to use this pandemic to come together as a nation and pay attention to what’s truly important.
Let us heed the words of Pope Francis at Urbi et orbi who said, “Greedy for profit, we let ourselves get caught up in things, and lured away by haste. We did not stop at your reproach to us, we were not shaken awake by wars or injustice across the world, nor did we listen to the cry of the poor or of our ailing planet. We carried on regardless, thinking we would stay healthy in a world that was sick.”
As many of us are experiencing the loss of income and our livelihoods, let us be reminded that this is something that many of our brothers and sisters have experienced on a regular basis that made them vulnerable to traffickers, and we have turned a blind eye.
We cannot set a timeline to bring back the economy and our livelihoods, only God can determine that, but we can look at how we focus on humanity and people. Greed has fueled the market for human trafficking and for too long, we have ignored the cries of our brothers and sisters. Businesses have failed to look at their global supply chains, consumers have failed to look at their purchasing choices and whether child and forced labor were used in the making of their products.
Let us use this time to evaluate where we have fallen short and not focus on fear and despair but come together as a global community to serve one another, no longer ignore the injustices of our brothers and sisters but look at how we can share our blessings – not just during this pandemic but in the future – long after this is all over. That is my hope.
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