Oct 12
What do the countries of India, Mexico, Thailand, Cambodia, and Brazil have in common? You could say rich histories, luscious and picturesque landscapes, succulent foods and colorful settings. Hidden beneath these vacationers’ paradise; however, is a cloak of secrecy that is a concealing a dark reality. These locations are not only a tourists dream, but …
Sep 29
Imagine living in poverty. You are your household’s main breadwinner. You are married and have four children who are all under the age of 18 and are depending on you to meet their most basic needs: shelter, food and clothing. You have the opportunity to go to another country to work. They will pay you …
Aug 17
Do you know who is picking your fruits and vegetables? I bet you wouldn’t think that children as young as 5 are working the farms and fields that supply your grocery stores. I bet even more that you wouldn’t think the farms and fields I am referring to are in the United States. The truth …
Aug 12
I am all for freedom of speech but not when it becomes abusive and offensive. On Wednesday, the New York Post released their daily newspaper displaying a controversial image and relaying what many are calling a highly absurd and unreasonable message to the public. The Post, in their attempt to metaphorically compare the recent highs …
Aug 10
Are dogs really man’s best friend? As a dog owner of two, I would say so. The unconditional love and excitement they share is hard to find elsewhere. Every time I walk into my house from a bad day, I can always rely on their wagging tails and slobbery kisses to put a smile on …
Aug 05
Warren Jeffs, a polygamist religious leader and head of the Fundamentalist Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints (FLDS), was found guilty yesterday of child sexual assault charges stemming from a 2008 raid on his Yearn for Zion (YFZ) Ranch in Texas. This was not his first stint with the law, as he was …
Jul 27
Eliminating Commercial Sexual Exploitation In order to eliminate the problem of commercial sexual exploitation, we must look at the demand side of the problem. After all, without buyers of sex, there would be no sex industry. By understanding the who, what, where, when, and how of sex buyers, strategies can be implemented to decrease the …
Jul 07
The issue of modern day slavery, particularly as it pertains to the trafficking of individuals for commercial sexual exploitation, has been getting increased attention. With more and more awareness of the severity of the problem, it has become a hot topic that encompasses much controversy. Agencies, advocates and policymakers have been exploring the issue of …
Jul 01
Yesterday I facilitated a webinar on Culture, Conflict and Violence against Women: A Focus Sex Trafficking. I raised several issues regarding the vast differences experienced by victims of the sex trafficking industry, particularly as it pertains to culture, gender dynamics and power differentials. I recommended that governmental bodies and non-profit agencies reevaluate motives, revise legislation …
Jun 29
Yesterday was an anxiously awaited day for all of those who are in the fight to end modern day slavery. Secretary of State, Hillary Clinton, formally announced the release of the highly anticipated Trafficking in Persons (TIP) 2011 report. The annual report consists of victim narratives, governmental responsibilities, progress made, and recommendations for improvement. Additionally, …
