Human trafficking unfortunately affects all communities and continued efforts to raise awareness are ongoing, one expert said, noting the danger of online devices.
Lisa Choate, teen emergency shelter program director of the Children's Aid Society of West Texas, spoke to Lone Star Standard about the subject, predator's recruitment methods and what more can be done in individual communities.
The crux of the problem, Choate said, is "the role that demand plays in trafficking. We celebrate arrests, convictions and when people are saved but often glaze over the truth that if there were not people looking to buy and victimize children, then traffickers would not try to profit from them," she added.
"The role early exposure to pornography plays in building an offender, the sexualization of children, images in advertising, the accessibility to victims through social media and online sources all have a part in creating this business."
In addition, the internet and children having cellphones put young people at risk.
"We have given predators an open door to our children by providing cellphones and other internet-capable devices at an increasingly young age and, as caregivers, we must arm them with rules for protection," Choate said. "I wish there was a timeless list I could tell you to focus on but recruiters follow our young people so as trends change and new apps become popular they follow along."
Choate said parents have a role to play in protecting their children.
"It is important to speak to your children about safe online practices and to stay connected to what they are doing," she said. "An open dialogue about what your expectations are as a parent when the device is purchased is important like having access to log in information and what phone usage hours will be for your child."
Parents should also talk to their children about what they should do if they are approached online.
"Talking to kids about how to respond when approached online and who to allow in their friend circle can prepare them for the constant barrage of requests they will face," Choate said. "Making sure they feel comfortable talking to you when it happens and requesting your help to report these situations will give them the confidence and tools to enforce boundaries to keep them safe."
While all communities are impacted by trafficking, Choate said, "I think we are making efforts to raise awareness."
More cases of human trafficking have been in the media. Two alleged human traffickers were arrested in late January and early February for trafficking two victims younger than 12, News Channel 6 reported. Anthony Patterson and Jandreani Dashimella Bell face human trafficking and indecency with a child charges. The arrest involved several agencies, including the Texas Rangers, FBI, the Wichita Falls Police Department, the Wichita County DA's office, and the state Attorney General's Office.
The National Trafficking Hotline reports that Texas had the second highest number of human trafficking cases in the country in 2019, with 1,080 cases reported, reported KXXV.com.
"You see cases in the media, and trafficking has come onto the radar of our elected officials but more can be done locally in your own community and your own social circle," Choate said. "Our state has one of the largest borders in the country and highway systems that run both east-west as well as north-south and traffickers use them to move victims from town to town and state to state to be sold over and over again."
She said anyone who sees something that appears wrong should make a call.
"Contact local law enforcement or make a report to the National Human Trafficking hotline at 1-888-373-7888," Choate said. "Get involved with young people in your communities. That may mean making a greater effort to be active in the lives of your children. Help to increase awareness by bringing training to your church or social groups, and working in programs to decrease risk factors like a history of abuse or neglect or substance abuse issues."
"Familiarize yourself with the resources in your community and state," she added. "Perhaps there is an anti-trafficking agency you can donate to or a local shelter in need of volunteers. Does your community have Safe Place locations where children can go for help. Teaching youth to recognize the yellow diamond-shaped sign when they find themselves in danger can save them in Texas and 36 other states. We want young people to identify situations that could become unsafe or don't feel right and have the knowledge and courage to seek help."
