I believe our children are our future. To protect our future in America, it has become evident to me that adults must guard the hearts and minds of our children. I wrote this novel to bring awareness of Human Trafficking’s prevalence in the United States, as well as the rest of the world. It seems easier to avoid the reality that such horrible abuse occurs within the most affluent country in the world. It makes no sense to me. There is no logical explanation as to why our children and youth are being manipulated, coerced, used, and exploited for other people’s gain. The profit margin alone is breathtaking, and not in a good way.
I wrote in graphic detail situations involving childhood sexual abuse, coercion, and exploitation for a specific reason. My goal was not to glorify abusive behavior or sexually excite potential perpetrators who commit these crimes. No way! I wrote explicit details for people who have never been victims and who do not have the mindset of a perpetrator to gain a clear understanding of both positions. Empathy for what it might be like as a child experiencing sexual abuse may be the motivating factor to do what we can to prevent and heal the confusion, isolation, and shame sexual abuse creates.
In addition, I wanted the reader to get a snapshot of a perpetrator’s mind and behavior so we know who we are protecting innocents and ensnared children/youth from. I didn’t write a story to give innocent minds any ideas on how to hurt and exploit others. I used generic, common scenarios as to how sexual abuse takes place. This fictional work is no one person’s story on display, but it could be anyone’s experience.
I intend to have those who take the time to read this novel know the signs of Human Trafficking and understand how perpetrators identify their targets to solicit, coerce, and potentially steal so we can keep innocent children safe by calling those suspicions to the authorities so they can do their jobs to serve and protect.
I hope to reach an array of people in various careers, including the following because they have access to our homes and our children: Plumbers, electricians, delivery drivers, truckers, real estate agents, construction workers, roofers, handymen and women, clergy, teachers, paraprofessional teachers, janitors or other cleaning service providers, lawyers, social workers, therapists, doctors, nurses, administrators, government officials, police officers, etc…But ESPECIALLY parents and grandparents whose most important job is to keep their children safe and to become productive adults.
If we are to hold manipulators and exploitative personalities accountable for hurting and using our children, it is imperative to know the signs. Here are some words to explain a perpetrator’s actions, but the novel flushes out these behaviors. These words include control, manipulation, coercion (If you love me, you will), threats, gaslighting, blame, denial, avoidance, and not taking responsibility for actions or behaviors.
Victim’s behavior may include a sudden change in temperament, people-pleasing behavior, withdrawn or isolating, spending time with people their parents don’t know, sneaking around or out of the house, being secretive or paranoid, having extra money or expensive gifts all the sudden, sudden weight loss or gain, drug/alcohol abuse, unable to look people in the eyes, saying things like “I’m worthless,” bruises or broken bones, having their boyfriend/girlfriend speak for them when asked direct questions…just to name a few.
Become everyday heroes. Know the signs, call 911 for any suspicions of child abuse or neglect, and keep your ears and eyes open with your head on a swivel. Human Trafficking happens every day in plain sight. We are all responsible for our future as a human race.
Traffic Stop: Human Division 