This is a content trigger warning. In this episode, we will be discussing human trafficking, sex trafficking, and assault, and this may be difficult and or triggering for some of my listeners. Please use discretion when deciding to listen to the show and take care of your mental and emotional well-being.
On this episode, I had the privilege to sit down for an important discussion, on human trafficking with two amazing guests.
Visual artist and Filmmaker, Malinda Baum, and Author, Speaker and Host of the Love& B Loved podcast, Lena Cebula,
The Stats
- 24.9 million people are victims of human trafficking globally (2017-2019)
- 16 million people are trafficked for forced labor in the private economy in the US
- 4.8 million people are trafficked for sexual exploitation.
- The average age of trafficking victims is 12-14, with an estimated total of over 5.5 million trafficked children.
- Women and girls are disproportionately affected, accounting for 71% of all victims, while boys are also trafficked at around 40%.
- Online recruitment and grooming increased by 22% during the pandemic.
Key Takeaways
- Human trafficking is a serious and widespread problem that encompasses not just sexual exploitation but also forced labor in the private economy.
- There are more slaves today than there were when slavery was legal ~ Malinda Baum.
- Trafficking is a problem in all 50 states in the US but states with ports, large airports, and major transportation routes such as Texas, California, Florida, and New York have a higher rate of trafficking.
- Human and labour trafficking affects boys as well as girls ~Malinda Baum.
- Boys are more susceptible to trafficking as traffickers find it easier to target them.
- Recruitment for trafficking often happens through grooming, which can involve building trust with the victim through activities such as sports, online games, and hanging out on the street corner ~ Malinda Baum.
- For girls, sex trafficking often involves grooming through manipulation, fear, isolation, guilt, and shame ~Lena Cebula.
- Traffickers often play on our human need for love, belonging, community, and care.
- Risk factors for human trafficking include dysfunctional families, substance abuse, and mental health issues ~Lena Cebula.
Signs that someone is being trafficked
The signs that someone may be in a trafficking situation, include secretive behavior, depression, paranoia, and changes in behavior such as using drugs or skipping school, grades dropping, unexplainable tattoos, unusual calls, doing things out of their income level and lots more. It is important to talk to individuals, especially children, and ask questions if there is suspicion that someone may be in a trafficking situation.
If you have been a victim or you know a victim of human trafficking, regardless of your journey remember you are never alone, you are significant and your life is valuable. It is possible to be successful and thrive after trauma. If you need help or resources please contact:
National Human Trafficking Hotline 1 (888) 373-7888 SMS: 233733 (Text "HELP" or "INFO") 24 hours, 7 days a week, English, Spanish and 200 more languages http://humantraffickinghotline.orgAbout The Guests
Malinda Baum is a talented visual artist who combines her passion for photography and film with her dedication to social good. As a photographer and filmmaker, she helps justice-oriented organizations to connect with others through powerful imagery that challenges assumptions, shifts perspectives, and promotes empathy. Her work is often used by organizations whose causes are not well-represented by stock images or staged shoots, and she is dedicated to capturing the true impact of their work.
Malinda's work has been recognized by several professional photography organizations, including the Texas Professional Photographers Association and the International Professional Photography Association. Malinda decided to use her skills to begin the journey of making #BoysToo, a documentary aimed at raising awareness about human traficking. Through this film, she hopes to help people recognize and prevent more cases of human trafficking.
Lena Cebula is a survivor of human trafficking and abuse who has overcome a difficult past to become a powerful voice for others. In 2019, Lena published her book "Miraculous", a raw and transparent account of her life. Today, Lena Cebula is a wife and mother of three, and uses her experiences to inspire and encourage others. She is a social justice advocate, blogger, professional public speaker, host of the Love&BLoved podcast, and soon to be certified life coach. Lena uses her platform to raise awareness about the reality of human trafficking and to offer hope to others who have faced adversity. Her mission is to encourage, inspire and to offer hope, and through speaking engagements, raise funds and awareness and make a difference in people's lives.
Guest Contact Info:
Malinda Baum
https://www.linkedin.com/in/malinda-baum-tatteredmemoriesproductions/
https://www.boystoothemovie.com/
Lena Cebula
https://www.amazon.com/Miraculous-My-journey-hell-heaven/dp/1545673403
https://www.linkedin.com/in/lena-cebula-4033318b/
Intro Music by Anthony Nelson aka BUSS
https://music.apple.com/us/artist/buss/252316338