Human Trafficking Close to Home

J. Matthews • February 17, 2023

Human trafficking is a serious issue that affects millions

Human trafficking is a serious issue that affects millions of people around the world, including people in our home state of Michigan. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline there were 295 cases reported in the state in 2021. This number may seem small, but it represents only a fraction of the actual number of people who are being exploited in the state. In this article, we will discuss the seriousness of human trafficking in Michigan, including the forms it takes, its causes, and its impact on the victims.


Forms of Human Trafficking in Michigan


Human trafficking can take many different forms, including sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and domestic servitude. In Michigan, sex trafficking is the most commonly reported form of human trafficking. This involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel someone to engage in commercial sex acts. Labor trafficking, on the other hand, involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel someone to work against their will. This can happen in a variety of industries, including agriculture, hospitality, and construction.

Causes of Human Trafficking in Michigan



There are many factors that contribute to the prevalence of human trafficking in Michigan. Poverty and lack of economic opportunity are major drivers of human trafficking. People who are desperate for work or money are more vulnerable to traffickers who promise them better opportunities. Other factors that can contribute to human trafficking include addiction, immigration status, language barriers, and a lack of social support.

Impact of Human Trafficking on Victims


Human trafficking has a devastating impact on its victims, both physically and emotionally. Victims of human trafficking often suffer from physical abuse, malnutrition, and lack of medical care. They may also experience psychological trauma, such as anxiety, depression, and post-traumatic stress disorder. Victims of sex trafficking are at high risk for sexually transmitted infections, unintended pregnancy, and drug addiction. In addition, victims of human trafficking often feel isolated and alone, making it difficult for them to seek help or escape from their situation.


Solutions


At the Center of Hope we’ve become increasingly aware of the issue of human trafficking as the frequency and number of incidences in our area increase.  As our experience and involvement have increased we’ve learned what measures must be taken to stop it. Often there is a limited window of opportunity to remove a victim from a human trafficking situation. Resources must be in place and ready so action can take place quickly. First and foremost among these resources is safe emergency housing. 

The Center of Hope is currently working to convert 20,000 square feet of existing space into short term emergency housing that will accommodate up to 50 individuals. Our goal is to provide a safe and secure place for those newly liberated from human trafficking situations. With this new emergency housing and with existing resources available through the Center of Hope, law enforcement, Genesee County Human Trafficking Task Force, and other organizations, we know that lives can be saved.


Conclusion


Human trafficking is a serious issue, not just abroad but right here in our home state of Michigan. It’s a crime that exploits the most vulnerable members of our society and strips them of their dignity and freedom. To combat human trafficking, it’s important to raise awareness about the issue and to support organizations such as the Center of Hope that provide assistance to victims. Together, we can work to end human trafficking in our area and around the world.


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I recently had the opportunity to attend a week-long conference that addressed some difficult but vital topics—predators, pedophiles, human trafficking, and trauma. It was an intense week, but I had the privilege of learning from leading experts from across the state of Michigan. These experts specialize in areas such as criminal psychology, DNA technology, mental health, and forensic genetic genealogy. At times, the information was so dense I felt like my brain might explode! The most powerful presentations were from survivors of horrific abuse. These brave women shared their stories and have since dedicated their lives to giving victims a voice. One now advocates for justice as a district attorney, another leads a law enforcement team handling these cases daily, and one has become an author and speaker, traveling the country to inspire hope. Their courage and resilience deeply impacted me and changed the way I view my work. This conference wasn’t just an emotional experience—it was enlightening. I’ve always believed I approached my work at the Center of Hope without judgment, knowing that anyone who walks through our doors may be in a state of desperation or chaos. We’ve always extended grace, allowing people time to receive help before we start addressing the deeper issues that may be holding them back. But this week showed me that there are far more layers to trauma and healing than I ever realized. I learned how trauma affects the brain, not just for those who directly experience it, but for those of us who encounter it second-hand. This revelation brought to mind countless people I’ve met through the Center of Hope: the woman living with an alcoholic husband who was kind when sober but a monster when drunk, forcing her to seek help to feed her family; the man who quit his job to care for his terminally ill wife; the young mother navigating life with a husband suffering from PTSD after military service; and the woman who lost her mother and son within a week, paralyzing her with grief. These are the tales of people we encounter every day—people who look like everyone else but are struggling just to keep it together. This week made me realize just how many broken people walk among us. Everyone has a story, and often those stories are hidden beneath a brave face or a quiet smile. Society teaches us to suppress our pain, to keep moving forward without addressing the hurt. But what we don’t realize is that by doing this, we’re passing that pain down through generations. We’re taught that seeking help makes us weak, when in reality, it takes incredible strength to confront our trauma. What I know now is that trauma produces not just negative emotions, but physical and mental responses when our ability to cope is overwhelmed. It’s not something we can control, but there are ways to work through it and heal. Thanks to this conference, I now have more resources to support those seeking help at the Center of Hope. One of the saddest truths I learned is that many people don’t even recognize that they’ve experienced trauma. They believe it's just life, and unfortunately, many in my field see them as a mess, undeserving of grace. I went into this conference believing I was already doing my best to help others. Sometimes, I’ve gotten frustrated when I suspected someone was scamming us, and I’ve followed procedures to cut ties when needed. But now, I find myself thinking differently. I can’t look at someone seeking help without wondering what they’ve endured—whether childhood trauma, a troubled home life, or secrets they’ve kept that shaped the course of their adult lives. I’ll be more intentional about creating a safe space, giving people the grace and patience they need as we work through the layers of their pain. If you’re reading this, I encourage you to approach the people in your life with the same perspective. Whether it’s your family, neighbors, friends, or even the grumpy guy in the grocery store, remember that everyone has a story. Everyone is fighting battles you may not see.  This conference also opened my eyes to the importance of caring for myself. Like so many in law enforcement, healthcare, social work, ministry, and teaching, I’ve experienced secondary trauma. I used to think it was a sign of weakness or being overly emotional, but I now know it’s simply how the brain responds. Moving forward, I’ll be prioritizing my mental health so that I can continue to serve others effectively. The older I get, the more I realize how much I still have to learn. I’m grateful for the opportunity to attend this conference—the one I didn’t think I had time for but that ended up changing my life and the way I approach my work with the community.
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