Child trafficking is a form of child abuse and it affects 10.1 million children globally every year. Traffickers often work in large networks of criminals that operate worldwide.
A child may be stolen and trafficked within the same country or transported to a completely different county. They are forced to leave their homes and families behind for several years. In some cases, trafficked children are never returned home to their families.
If you don’t know very much about child trafficking, this article should cover the key things that you need know.
Who is at Risk of Child Trafficking and Why Does it Happen?
Vulnerable children are more at risk of being stolen for trafficking, although every child is at risk. Those who do not receive support and care from their parents or guardians are often easier for traffickers to manipulate and groom.
Traffickers use techniques to trick children and coerce them into doing a variety of awful things. They may pretend to be somebody that the child knows or a person of authority to gain the child’s trust.
When the child agrees to get into the trafficker’s vehicle, they will be transported to a remote location in the same country or in a foreign country. After this point, the vulnerable child may never return to their home.
If the child is set free in the future, they may be left with severe emotional trauma that impacts the rest of their life. The child’s family will also be impacted emotionally by the situation.
Often, child traffickers steal children for one or more of the following reasons:
- Sexual exploitation
- Forced marriage
- Slave labor
- Forced adoption
- Organ donation
- Committing crimes
- Drugs trafficking
Putting a Stop to Child Trafficking
It can be difficult to spot the signs of child trafficking and exploitation because they are often subtle and can easily go unnoticed by strangers. However, educating yourself about child trafficking and its tell-tale signs will make it easier to notice if a child in your local area is being trafficked.
Despite child trafficking being a massive global issue, you can make a difference. Taking action as an individual is enough to save the lives of many children.
Alongside keeping an eye out for the key signs of child trafficking, you can find stopping child trafficking organizations to donate to. Even the smallest donations can contribute to the cause and help these organizations to put a stop to child trafficking.
If you notice the key signs, report your concerns to the local child protective services in your area. They will investigate your report and take the necessary action to protect them, and look after the child’s health and safety.
Trafficking may be of concern if a child:
- Looks malnourished
- Does not attend school and isn’t registered at any local healthcare facilities
- Is outside doing laborious work for many hours a day
- Appears anxious and tired
- Doesn’t appear to have any family or guardians
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