What Makes Someone Vulnerable to Human Trafficking?

By Michelle Lentine (Set Free Rochester Team Leader)

Those who traffic in people are generally seeking individuals who have economic vulnerabilities, some type of social exclusion or isolating factors, and feel disempowered to change these circumstances. This makes individuals who live in poverty, have fractured social or family structures, have reduced access to education, medical and mental health programs, identified as part of marginalized groups, or even circumstances like political turmoil, war and natural disasters vulnerable to traffickers who are looking to take advantage.

Refugees generally check some of these boxes for a variety of reasons. For starters, they are leaving behind what they know and are moving under duress to the complete unknown. Many of us have moved at least once in our lifetime and can attest that even in the best of circumstances, moving is stressful, overwhelming and unsettling. Refugees often experience the extreme of this, leaving behind known homes, family, professions, identities, culture, countries, as well as possessions. Starting over has a monumental new meaning. It is emotionally and mentally exhausting, which can make one vulnerable to false claims of help that put them at risk.

Next, consider that they must feel a sense of disempowerment with resource challenges whether still in transit or resettled in a new country. Systems set up to help can still be difficult to navigate with language, cultural, and social barriers to overcome and minimal financial or work opportunities to engage in until they can acclimate, adapt and demonstrate skills. Systems are also resource-deprived to meet all the needs which create gaps and so much more.

I believe we are called as neighbors and community members and in the family of Christ to help reduce vulnerabilities whenever and wherever we can. Everyone can be a part of the solution. We are hoping over this month and beyond that you will be inspired in some way to engage. Our hope and prayer as a team, is that everyone – from our youngest members to our wisest find a path to participate where they feel most led.

We are going to continue to learn more this month about refugees and World Relief and I hope you will join us in learning how you can help.

All teens are invited to Youth group on January 14th to hear from Eric Lintala from World Relief.

Set Free Sunday is January 28th and we have invited community agencies, including World Relief, to join us in sharing with you all the ways to support the cause of Freedom.