Library hosts speaker on human trafficking

By: 
Kim Brooks
Express Editor

     Last week, the Monticello Public Library hosted Danielle Engle, program specialist with the organization Teens Against Human Trafficking. Roughly 30 people attended; men, women, youth and adults, all interested in learning more about an issue that’s growing in Iowa and the U.S.

     Engle covers a 16-county service area, which includes Jones. Her primary role is to visit middle and high schools, educating youth/teens on the dangers of human trafficking, and what to look for.

     Human/sex trafficking and kidnapping go hand-in-hand.

     She said people’s perception of a kidnapper or pimp is typically a guy in an unmarked white van.

     “That’s different today,” she said, “especially in Iowa.”

     The average age at which youth enter into sex trafficking is 13, though Engle said many are older or younger.

     “The majority are exploited for sex,” she said.

     Human trafficking in the U.S. is the second most profitable illegal activity, Engle said, bringing in $1.5 billion a year. Number one is the sale of illegal drugs. Engle said human trafficking is quickly taking over the top spot because once you’re caught selling drugs, that’s it; you can only do it once. “You can sell people many times,” she said.

     Today, 20-plus million people are enslaved in human trafficking. That amounts to 74-82 percent of American citizens.

     “When you think of human trafficking, you typically think of people from other countries,” said Engle. “But people right here are being bought and sold like property, like slavery.”

     Iowa now has a state law against human trafficking. But in order to enforce it, an adult has to prove the presence of force, fraud and coercion. For minors, it’s easier to prove.

     “It comes down to exploitation,” she Engle. “It comes down to power, especially with teens. They’re easy to be taken advantage of.”

     Engle said it’s happening all over the country, even in Iowa. It’s easier today than ever because of technology and social media.

     With websites like “Back Page,” Engle said youth are being exploited for sex.

     “In one month,” said Engle, “900 people were advertised for sex on escort websites. One in five were under 18.”

     She said the most common form of sex trafficking in Iowa is family exploitation. Gang trafficking has also increased because gangs are finding it harder to sell drugs and make a lucrative profit.

     Some of the vulnerability factors in trafficking include: poverty, teens running away from home, homelessness, abuse or neglect at home, foster care, age, and just plain lack of awareness.

     Engle urged parents and guardians to monitor their kids’ online and social media activity. She said being aware of their privacy settings is also important.

     “The Internet is a prime tool with recruitment and grooming of young people,” said Engle. “It’s easier to market online versus on the streets corner. It can happen anywhere now with social media.”

     Methods of manipulation traffickers use include: friendship, love, relationships, job opportunities, and filling one’s need to survive.

     Traffickers now are not just men. Engle said it’s men, women, any race, any age, any socio-economic status or background and profession.

     “There are 3.5 million buyers of sex every day in the U.S.,” she said, a staggering figure.

     “Internet safety is huge.”

     Engle said people ask her all the time why these young people can’t just escape the situations they’re in. She said it comes down to fear, threats, shame, distrust of law enforcement, and being brainwashed.

     “A lot of people being trafficked are prosecuted,” she said of the kids. “That’s shifting now with the state’s human trafficking law.”

     She said the trafficker is turned over to the FBI, not charged in-state.

     “They’d be charged with human trafficking along with other charges,” she said.

     For more Teens Against Human Trafficking, visit their Facebook page.

     “Be an advocate,” urged Engle. “If you see something, say something.”

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