Not All Are Free

Today is July Fourth~ for Americans, this represents the official beginning of our nation and it is a day we celebrate proudly. Trafficking.org states there are 27 million people enslaved internationally, and the numbers are growing daily. It is impossible to truly know the number of those in slavery, but the information available is still chilling. Nearly 1 million are trafficked across international boarders each year, with 80% of those being women or young girls. Of those females, at least 70% are forced into sex slavery, with the others are sold into doing physical labor.

For those of us in America, this information may seem trivial, even unimportant. In the land of the free, this is not a visable crime, and perhaps does not even exist. However, all are not free. Between 100,000 and 300,000 underage girls are being sold for sex in the United States. At least 50,000 women and children are trafficked into America annually. 1 out of 3 teens who run away from home will be lured into prostitution. Minors are sold an average of 10-15 times a day. Shockingly enough, 55% of child pornography comes from America (pornography is often fueled by sex trafficking victims). The facts could go on and on, but I'll stop.

The point I want to make is this:

Do not ignore.

Do not forget.

Do not be ignorant.

The fact that you are a 'blessed American' or from a wealthy western culture does not protect you from heinous, evil acts from those who wish to profit from the innocent. This July Fourth, I call out that you raise a voice and a prayer for those who are caught in the life of being a trafficked victim.

Not all are free.

Peace & Blessings

Ashley