Missouri has emerged as one of the leading states for Human Trafficking, with hundreds of victims and numerous cases reported. Federal officials reveal that this year, the Show-Me state has attained the fourth highest rate in the country.
Experts from the Triumph Over Trafficking Alliance have revealed that the average age of human trafficking victims falls between 12 and 14 years old. Shockingly, they also report that only a mere 1% of these victims are ever identified.
Becky Spain from STAND Against Trafficking highlighted that child trafficking can occur at a very young age, starting as early as six, eight, or ten years old.
STAND, a local organization, is actively working to overcome these challenges.
Phones play a significant role in the issue of trafficked victims, according to Spain. There are various factors involved, but phones are considered the most crucial one.
“What frequently occurs is that predators target our children through their online activities. They skillfully manipulate these unsuspecting individuals, adapting themselves to fulfill their victims’ needs. Once they establish a connection, they gradually alter the dynamics of the relationship,” elucidated Spain.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline reported that in 2023, there were approximately 9,000 identified cases of human trafficking in the country. However, the number of victims was nearly 17,000, which is almost double the number of cases.
Predators prey on children or teens in various ways.
The Romeo style of trafficking, as explained in Spain, involves predators who strive to appear as the perfect partner. However, the most common form of trafficking is familial trafficking.
“People sometimes engage in such activities because they find themselves in desperate situations where they need money for various reasons such as drugs, rent, or even basic necessities like food. They might be facing poverty or other financial burdens that push them towards such actions.”
Local experts emphasize the importance of every tip received. If you happen to notice anything suspicious, it is crucial to report it to the police. Here are five important tips to keep in mind when reporting such incidents.
Spain emphasized the significance of providing any information to the police, as it greatly assists them in building a solid case.
