Buying & Selling Humans
In our July 15th, 2009 local paper there was a reference to a man being turned away at our border crossing. The Canada Border Services Agency searched and questions the US citizen, he was apparently going to spend ten days in Vancouver. What was he packing for his trip? A large amount of condoms, an 8-mm video camera, erased videos, a Polaroid camera, film and a list of massage parlours. He was turned away as he needed to provided records of a hit-and run charge in California that dated back to 1989 and proof of residency/employment.
Here is what I want to know: Did anyone think to seize the list of massage parlours and hand it over to the police, because there is a good chance they are operating illegally.
Humans are being bought and sold! Especially women and children. They are being sold into sexual slavery; working in brothels, massage parlours, strip clubs and on the street. Many people may shy away from this topic, it’s too difficult to hear, they may feel powerless to do anything about it. Some even still believe women and girls choose this life, it’s a victimless crime. Those people are most certainly misinformed.
The bastard that was turned away at the border knew where to go. He along with many others become quite familiar with the strip clubs, parlours and streets that will satisfy their need to “buy a girl.” (or girls) He and people like him have no problem with exploitation and lining the pockets of the criminal underground.
For each of their victims there is this reality. Her name is irrelevant, in fact her real identity has long since been erased. She has no past, present or future. All of that is inconsequential, she is an object to be watched, touched and abused. She does not feel anymore and everything said or not said has been strictly coached and enforced. Her true voice and thoughts long silenced.
In this months TimeFinders Magazine my column takes a look at efforts of the Salvation Army to combat Human Sex Trafficking. Their SPARKLE OF HOPE Campaign helps raise public awareness and funds programs for victims. Major Winn Blackman spoke to me at length about the work they are doing and what is happening around the world, as well as here in Vancouver. Human Sex Trafficking is alive and well!
I am currently working on a larger piece that will look at this issue in depth and incorporate more of my interview with Major Winn Blackman.
Here is what I ask of you:
DON’T TURN AWAY! We need to look at the role we all play in the issue of Human Trafficking and in particular Human Sex Trafficking. Societies acceptance of certain norms is fueling this industry. By not taking a cold hard look at the facts we are in essence allowing individuals and criminal organizations to operate freely within our cities. The Buying and Selling of Humans is wrong! Become informed, buy a pin to support the Sparkle of Hope Campaign, do something, but don’t turn away!! There is a woman or child out there that needs you.
TimeFinders Magazine – Worldly Women
(ALSO CHECK OUT THE LINK PROVIDED AT THE BOTTOM OF ARTICLE FOR THE HELEN BAMBER FOUNDATION, THE VIDEO FEATURES ACTOR EMMA THOMPSON)
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Wow, I hadn’t heard that local story but I’ll bet it happens all the time. We need to change our laws because, unfortunately, it is not illegal to possess any of the items you listed. Not sure why border guards do not seem to have ability to act on powers of assumption because it is obvious this particular man was up to no good intent on our side of the line. I wonder, if the man’s prior California conviction had not interfered and he had been allowed entry to Canada, if our border would have had him followed by local police on reasonable suspicion of involvement in illegal business? I would sure hope that would be standard procedure.
The Salvation Army does and has always performed great work in the area of sex trade worker rehabilitation. An area that is long ignored by many other agencies.
(Back in the mid 1990′s I volunteered some regular periods with one of their Units in Vancouver called “The Homestead.” )
People trafficking for sexual explotation/domestic servitude or by legally registered “Gangmasters” is a major problem and has been for quite some time,in the U.K.
The subject “broke the surface” and made headlines, in February of 2004, after 21 Chinese endentured young Cockle Pickers, were drowned by the treacherous rising tide, on the peaceful but deadly shores or Morecambe Bay,Lancashire, (an hour north of where I live).
19 of these twenty young labourers were men from Fujian province, illegal immigrants transported into Europe, labouring long hours for low pay to send back to their famiies in China. They did not speak English and were kept in crowded premises in fear of authority finding out.
Since the expansion of the E.U. and easier travel between countries, trafficking for sexual explotation has beem a major Government and Police target for much legislation.
Many Police Forces have their own dedicated Units to help deal with it. The Massage Parlours, Tanning Salons and Restaurant businesses are common fronts for such activity.
Organised crime from many countries are also involved.
www/ukhtc.org (U.K. human trafficking Centre)if you want more information.
Yes, Gillean -what he had in his possession is not illegal but it is clear that he was about to embark on 10 days of using massage parlours for something other than a massage. Since those services are not to provide anything but massage his items showed otherwise. This man was one of thousands that use these women and this city for sex. I agree with you the laws need to change, very good point!
These parlours are where many women who have been trafficked work; not only trafficked internationally but inter-provincially. The public has no idea what goes on in order to buy/sell, transport and have these women and girls do what they must do on a daily basis. Those that do work with the victims of human trafficking/forced prostitution have seen and heard it all.
Please take the time to look at the article and the links to see if you can help support these victims.
Thanks Pat for you comment and information provided. Really appreciate your input.
Regarding the Salvation Army: they work so hard and what I like too is that they partner with so many others in order to accomplish their goals. Nothing they do is exclusive.
I remember that story about the Chinese workers in the UK, so tragic. We can not imagine the terror these people experience, giving up all that they have in the pursuit of a better life only to find lies and suffering.
Organize crime is for the most part at the helm of all of this and we need to get tougher. Tougher laws, stiff sentencing and really fight fire with fire here. Our lack of knowledge, use of their establishments and “product”, lack of dedicated units to combat this issue; makes organize crime feel secure and always one step ahead. It’s time to shine the light brighter on their trafficking business. One person sold into slavery is one too many, how many more before we really take note?
You may be interested in this link: Human Trafficking Accountability Act Passes Key Senate Committee: OVERWHELMING BIPARTISAN SUPPORT
Thank you Linda for the link and welcome to the blog. I will place the link up for everyone along with some other links I have received on a new blog post. Thanks again.