I struggled this week with deciding what was more important to write about – mental health or sex trafficking – as both are critical issues.
I chose sex trafficking because, as parents, neighbours, and friends, this is something we need to be on high alert about. It is coming closer and closer to home.
I was shocked to learn that such a thing was happening in Estevan, and now there are warnings that more small communities could fall victim to this problem. This is a deeply disturbing issue that must be stopped.
If we think this only happens in larger cities, we are sadly mistaken. It could happen next door, and this is where we come in.
Do you know your neighbours? Do you recognize the vehicles driving down your street? Are you aware of who your children are talking to?
I am very aware of what happens on my street – not only because I am a reporter and maybe a little nosey, but mainly because I have a special needs daughter, and I am very protective of her.
Last summer, a vehicle was driving very slowly down our street. A person got out and began walking through the neighbourhood and back alley. I watched them closely before finally going outside to confront them.
I simply asked if I could help them. They replied that they were just looking around. I pointed out that I have security cameras tracking the street and suggested they leave before I reported them to the police.
They left quickly and never returned. Could they have been looking for innocent people to prey on? I now wonder what they were up to. And yes, I reported it.
These people do not care about their victims. They will use any means to lure innocent children into their grasp for the purpose of sex trafficking.
Is this why so many children and young adults disappear? Do traffickers move them to new towns where no one suspects they are missing?
Although social media is great for reconnecting with old friends or reaching out for work, it is also a hunting ground for these predators.
They watch what people post and feed on it. Is someone posting that they are sad, lonely, or have no friends? That is a perfect setup for these traffickers.
It does not happen the way Hollywood movies portray it, where someone is grabbed off the street, thrown into a van, and blindfolded. In reality, the methods traffickers use to select their targets are far more personal and even more alarming.
They identify individuals and try to learn everything about them, usually by stalking them. They look for vulnerabilities such as drug addiction, lack of family support, or isolation, and they prey on these weaknesses.
How do they gather this information? Through the internet and social media, or simply by striking up a conversation in a store, on the street, or at a park.
We can all do our part by being aware of our surroundings. If someone looks lost, ask if they need help. We must stop assuming it is someone else’s problem.
Does a person seem malnourished? Do they have bruises? Do they appear high on drugs or unaware of where they are? We need to pay attention and ask questions.
We must know our neighbours and stay vigilant by watching our streets. If we all do our part, our towns will become safer places to live.
By doing this, we could save someone’s son, daughter, sister, or brother.
Do your part.
