Written by Amanda Moon Ellevis
Those of you who follow this blog closely know that we do what we do because sex trafficking has the second highest illegal revenue in San Diego, generating $810 Million dollars per year, and we believe it doesn't have to be. So, we put ourselves on the frontline of healing, every day, for every survivor who walks in our doors. We often find that these women are no different from you and me: They have goals and aspirations, roadblocks in their paths, and many of them were born right here in San Diego.
That being said, there is a very high chance that someone you know and love could be susceptible to being sexually exploited. If you are concerned about someone in your circle, we have highlighted some key warning signs to look out for that may point towards possible sex trafficking exploitation. It's important to note that you should not be alarmed at having only one or a few of these warning signs, and that many of them together present a higher risk.
Warning Signs
Referencing traveling to other cities (without having a legitimate reason to travel). Referencing staying at hotels(without having a legitimate reason to travel).
Having a boyfriend whom you never see or meet, OR: Not being able to see her or speak to her without her boyfriend being present.
Having hair done, nails done, new clothes, and/or large amounts of cash WITHOUT being employed.
Concealing injuries, or having bruises at various stages of healing.
Long periods of hiatus, truancy in schools.
If all these concerns fit your loved one, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888. DO NOT attempt to rescue anyone by yourself. Direct confrontation is unsafe and often ineffective. Our instinct may be to help, but we can do so at a distance until professionals take care of the situation.
What we can do is listen to survivors who have yet to seek help. If we establish some trust by listening to them without judgement, we can soon become a guiding voice in their life, encouraging them to seek help and direct them to the hotline, or even our Alabaster Jar Project Facebook page, when they are ready to begin their journey out of exploitation.
You may not be able to rectify a survivor's life on your own, but you can plant seeds of hope in their path, and through our organization, you can directly influence the lives of survivors who are seeking help. To donate, sponsor, or volunteer with Alabaster Jar Project, visit our website here.