A friend of mine is doing research and report on sex trafficking. She interviewed me for the project and I thought it may help give insight to others as well. I am not an expert on the subject but the longer I stay here, work amongst those coming out of being sexually exploited themselves, and observe the culture, the more I learn about how embedded within the society trafficking really is. The best method of prevention is always educating the general public on the issues. So I will share the interview with you.
1. What stirred you to get involved in the fight against human trafficking?
God. I was and still consider myself to be very uneducated concerning the extent of sex trafficking and how it is not only limited to Cambodia and Southeast Asia but how it has become a global crisis. About a year ago is when I was really praying about what my next step would be after graduation. I’ve always really enjoyed doing community service projects, working with inner city youth, fighting for justice issues because I believe justice is very near to the heart of God. I knew I wanted to serve at some capacity but really had no direction. I was applying for all types of things and Go Corps was one of them. Go Corps enables college grads to serve overseas with an established missions organization for two years. I chose the compassion and justice track, had my interview, prayed, received confirmations from the Lord, took a huge step of faith and now I’m here.
2. What are the common characteristics that you see in areas highly active in human trafficking?
I’m not sure about other countries but I can affirm that in Cambodia it is driven by poverty. Culturally, children are expected to care for their elders so many families sell their children to be domestic workers or into marriage and never ask questions or check up on them. The families and the young woman/girls are tricked, many times raped and can’t leave. Also, in Cambodia people say that the Pol Pot regime has left a dark trace in Cambodia and the country is still recovering from that. To some extent families aren’t valued and human life isn’t valued either so of course money and survival takes precedence over human dignity and value. Also, in Cambodia there is a huge market for sex. (Don’t quote me on this) but I think it’s something like 98% of customers are Khmer (Cambodian) men. Also, lack of education and/or skill. Many people in Cambodia can not afford to go to school or drop out at an early age so they are uneducated and have no skill so they can not get a good job.
3. What are some of the differences between the United States and other countries that affect illegal human trading?
The government. The United States has laws fighting human trafficking as well as the perpetrators. I haven’t researched much on how effective they’re being in the states but I know that they are more strict about it than Cambodia. The government of Cambodia is very corrupt and many legislative officials and top dogs have their hands in illegal trades as well. For instance, there are many NGO’s (non governmental organizations) trying to stop illegal trafficking but the government isn’t complying. Also, change really has to be an inside out movement. In order for things to really change, the heart of the Cambodian people need to change. The Cambodian people have to become educated on the issues at hand and fight for justice themselves otherwise it will continue to be a bunch of foreigners trying to change a problem that’s embedded within the culture and mindset of the people. But what happens if and when all the NGO’s leave? It will go right back to the way it was if not worse
4. How has human trafficking affected the area that you are in economically and socially?
Socially, the women involved are shunned by the rest of society. If you are a women involved in sex work, you have no value. You become labeled “srai koit” or “naughty/broken girl.” Many men are not faithful to their wives. You often hear stories about how Ta Ta (older men working in government who take young girlfriends) will buy such services. Or, men in general will go out to the local bars, cafe’s, guest houses and stay with the women for a night leaving the family alone. Economically, I’m not quite sure. I would have to ask more questions, do more research to give you a better overview. But I do know that the women in sex work also do not make a lot of money and either way they don’t get to keep all of it.
5. What would you suggest as the best way for an average American to get involved in bringing human trafficking to an end?
1. Pray 2. learn more 3. Financially support people/organizations that are trying to do something about it 4. learn about trafficking/prostitution in your area and get involved. It is very much alive and well in the US as well we just need to open our eyes and there are opportunities to take action in your own neighborhoods 5. educate others
There is also one thing I would like to clarify. Many people think that trafficking is limited to girls/women. Though they make up a huge portion of those trafficked this is a huge misconception. Boys are also being abused and trafficked. They also need liberty.
good job building awareness!