Recognizing the Signs

     I promised to list the signs and red flags, which may indicate human trafficking is happening in your community. End Modern Slavery Now, Homeland Security's Campaign Blue, the Polaris Project, and The Somaly mam organization, all have sites you can visit and they also supply contact information if you do suspect human trafficking is going on in your neighborhood.

     If you see any of these red flags, act quickly and contact the authorities.

     1. Is not free to leave or come and go as he/she wishes.
     2. Is under 18 and is providing commercial sex acts.
     3. Works excessively long and or unusual hours.
     4.  Shows signs of physical and/ or sexual abuse, physical restraint, confinement, or torture. Has the victim been deprived of food, water, sleep, medical care or other life necessities? Does the victim have freedom of movement.
     5.  Is not in control of his/her own identification documents (ID or passport).
     6. Is not allowed to speak for themselves ( a third party may insist on being present and/ or translating).
     7. Was the victim recruited for one purpose and forced to engage in some other job?
     8. Is the victim's salary being garnished to pay off a smuggling fee? (Paying off a smuggling fee alone is not considered trafficking).
     9. Victim is forced to perform sexual acts.
   10. Has the victim or family been threatened with harm if the victim attempts to escape? Has the victim been threatened with deportation or law enforcement action?
   11. Can the victim freely contact friends or family? Is the victim allowed to socialize or attend religious services?

     The practice of human trafficking, which is the fastest growing criminal industry second only to drug trafficking, is widespread and every country in the world is involved in this web, including ours. I hope the signs I've listed, help all neighborhood watch groups, our local Police, and every concerned citizen.

Here are two contact numbers if you suspect human trafficking: The National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-3737-888 or the United States Department of Justice at 1-888-428-7581

    

Learning to Fly

     When I go for my long walks around the lake, I have a favorite tune which I listen to on my mp4, Learning to fly by Tom Petty. I love the song and consider it my battle cry.

     Since I retired two years ago, I've been involved in many projects, all important to me( good) but very time consuming (bad), and I don't get enough sleep. I'm a writer, working on my book and I blog. I belong to a wonderful writer's group and try to make most of their get togethers, which are very helpful for a newbie like me. Now you would think the writing and the blogging, along with me babysitting a most lovable child, housework and spending time with the grandchildren would be enough to fill my life, but no I have this desire to right the wrongs of the world.

     I advocate for Unicef and I donate monthly. I would like to do more, but...time and life interfere. Same with fighting human trafficking, I share any updates from Somaly mam with my facebook friends in order to educate all, on the horrors of this heartbreaking crime. I share all my updates from End Modern Slavery Now and Homeland's Blue Campaign which is also aimed at fighting the trafficking of humans. My nexp post will list the signs to look for if you suspect trafficking taking place in your own neighborhood. This important information was sent to me by End Modern Slavery Now.

     A couple of posts back I also mentioned zombies because they will be featured in my second book of the trilogy but... they will be different than your run of the mill walking rotting bodies. On researching zombies, I became aware of this amazing group called Zombie Squad. Check them out they give advice on how to prepare for any major disaster. My father, if he were still alive, would have become a member. He survived the great depression and always taught his four children to stock away supplies and never count on government coming to your aid, Katrina and New Orleans having proved him right. I very recently became a member of the Zombie Squad and have a card saying so.

    If this wasn't enough to keep me busy, I'm also into steampunk, and love attending Dorian's monthly event. I love the clothing, the people and everything about the genre.

     My husband says he never sees me since I've retired, and if he does, I'm either writing, advocating or out with the kids. I can't help it, I'm flying, which brings us back to the title. It took me 62 years to get the courage to spread my wings and step off the cliff, I might come crashing down, but I might just stay airborne, and whatever happens, I won't give up. All I need is a good night's sleep....but there's that blog I need to read.