Human Exploitation is defined by WMU as “the unethical, selfish use of human beings for the satisfaction of personal desires and/or profitable advantage.” There is no doubt that it is a world-wide problem, including right here in Kentucky. WMU is seeking to raise awareness and get churches involved in combating the problems and providing ministry to victims through Project HELP: Human Exploitation.
Kentucky WMU has available an interactive Project HELP: Human Exploitation display which encourages people to learn about the six issues addressed in Project HELP: Human Exploitation. These include:
• Bullying, Cyberbullying, Queen Bee Bullying
• Human Trafficking—Labor
• Human Trafficking—Sex
• Media’s Exploitation of Families and Children
• Exploitation of Natural Resources for Personal Gain
• Pornography
In addition to the WMU emphasis, there are others who are working to educate and prevent human exploitation. January is the national Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention month. P.A.T.H. (Partnership Against the Trafficking of Humans) is a victim-centered partnership of professional and community organizations devoted to the Prevention of human trafficking through education and training; protecting victims through rescue and holistic services; and ensuring the prosecution of traffickers through legal advocacy.
P.A.T.H. is a co-sponsor of the 5th Annual Human Trafficking Conference for the Greater Cincinnati Area on Friday, February 3, 2012. The conference, which is also provided by End Slavery Cincinnati and other sponsors, includes a variety of conferences to help participants understand the issues and know steps for combating sex trafficking. Conference topics include:
International Red Cross & Human Trafficking
Dimensions of Recovery for HT Survivors
Demand Reductions & Prevention of Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking 101 – The Basics
Red Flags / Screening / Identification
Tune In to Local – Learn about REAL Local Cases
Responding to HT Survivors in Health Care Settings (Nursing CEUs available)
Motivation Interviewing with HT Survivors
Including Sex Workers in Combating Sex Trafficking
Cost of this conference is $50 for individuals, $40 each for groups (minimum of 3), $15 for students. Registration due by January 20, 2012 and fees increase by $10 after that date based on availability.
During National Human Trafficking Awareness and Prevention Month, I encourage you to learn more about Project HELP: Human Exploitation. Lead your church to do something to take a stand and support ministries such as P.A.T.H. that reach out to victims. Make your church aware of human trafficking right here in Kentucky. The following videos on You Tube highlight the problem.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AU7GOuwzpzU
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3LlpCSJmvVw
Human Exploitation is all around us. Take a stand.
