MINNEAPOLIS— Saturday is National Human Trafficking Day, and June Haskell is a human trafficking survivor; the second fastest growing crime in the US.
“I was attacked, abused, hurt and exploited. In return, my mother received payment,” Haskell said.
But Haskell is now using her survival story to help others suffering through the same experience, as a Survivor Advocate with the non-profit organization ‘Our Rescue’.
Our Rescue’s CEO says the problem is widespread, generating $180 billion a year worldwide, but it’s also a problem here at home.
“In Minnesota, we rank third in the nation for the most reported cases of child sexual abuse,” said CEO Tammy Lee.
It’s happening in your streets, airports, malls, gas stations, hospitals and everywhere in between.
“Part of the reason for this is that we are on the I-35 corridor that extends from Laredo, Texas, all the way to the Twin Cities and through Duluth,” Lee added.
Advocates say recognizing signs of human trafficking can help stop this exploitation.
Things like:
- Physical evidence: broken bones, concussions, burn marks, tattoos indicating ownership.
- Emotional symptoms: anxiety, hopelessness, anxiety.
- Behavior: Changes in mood, hobbies, sexualized language, disorientation.
“Most of what you see when you’re out there, you just have to know what to look for,” Haskell said. “We can’t do this alone, it takes a community. We will root out these traffickers, we will create real change, starting right here in Minneapolis.”
If you or someone you know is experiencing human trafficking, please contact your local police.
Organizations like Our Rescue are here to help.
Frankie McLister
