Jo was a loner, new to a big city at age 15. “I started to seek the love and acceptance that I wasn’t getting from my parents. I found it online with a 36-year-old man who I eventually formed a relationship with in real life.” Jo ended up being used and controlled by his “partner” to make money in illegal ways--he was a victim of human trafficking.
God tells us to advocate for those who cannot stand up for themselves: “Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of those who are destitute,” Proverbs 31:8-9. Jo was someone who could not speak for himself.
In 2021, the Human Trafficking Hotline received more than 50,123 calls, texts, online chats, and tips from people like Jo. In the United States, human trafficking is the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel someone into labor, services, or commercial sex acts against his or her will.
Take Action, Faith Communities and Nurses
Faith communities and nurses in their practice settings as well as in their own communities can be aware of and identify individuals who may be trafficked. Communities of faith are significant advocates for vulnerable groups, able to prevent and take action against human trafficking. Acting on behalf of trafficked persons demonstrates obedience toward our just, compassionate God: “Learn to do right; seek justice. Defend the oppressed. Take up the cause of the fatherless; plead the case of the widow,” Isaiah 1:17.
Trafficking happens in rural, semi-rural, and suburban areas as well as in urban settings. Victims may be U.S. citizens or foreign nationals. Here are common signs:
- Avoiding eye contact and interaction with others.
- Malnourished; poor hygiene; fatigue/sleep-deprived; untreated illness or injury
- Signs of physical abuse, restraint, or confinement
- Emotional/psychological trauma: afraid, anxious, depressed, easily startled, flat affect
How can faith communities become involved?
- Host an educational event like a workshop or panel to teach, promote, and widen the awareness of the community.
- Share a message via a sermon or lesson on how God views the enslavement of fellow humans and our responsibility to advocate for them.
- Pray for God to free those in your community who are being trafficked.
- Offer your faith community space for training on how to care for those being trafficked: Identify local law enforcement and social service organizations that are addressing this topic and ask how your church can become involved.
- Use social media: Follow the Blue Campaign (sponsored by the Department of Homeland Security) on Facebook and Twitter and share content to raise awareness.
- Include information on recognizing and reporting human trafficking in faith community newsletters and blogs.
Get more information and ideas:
Faith-Based and Community Toolkit
UNICEF’s Interfaith Toolkit to End Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking: Working with Faith-based Groups page that describes how 135 churches in Connecticut joined in an initiative to end trafficking and exploitation in their state.
God inclines his ear to vindicate the orphan and the oppressed (Psalm 10:17-18). We as Christian nurses need to do likewise, in imitation of our righteous God.
Dig into God’s Word, on your own or with a friend or small group. NCF’s myriad resources can give you content to invigorate and strengthen you spiritually as well as professionally. For example, download (free) the bible study, Act Justly, Love Mercy, Walk Faithfully. See many more resources—from live webinars to CE offerings and books-- on the NCF website.
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