Human trafficking is no small issue. In fact, as of 2017 the International Labor Organization (ILO) and Walk Free Foundation estimated that 24.9 million victims were trapped in modern-day slavery. So if it is such a daunting problem, why do we fight against human trafficking? Our mission here at Covenant Rescue Group is to liberate the vulnerable, aid in their healing, and deliver their perpetrators to justice.
To Liberate the Vulnerable
“All my bones shall say, “O Lord, who is like you, delivering the poor from him who is too strong for him, the poor and needy from him who robs him?”
-Psalm 35:10
Some trafficking victims willingly stay in dangerous situations because they feel they have no choice. Others are trapped and have no way out of their situation, even if they did try to escape.
In an article titled “Why Can’t Victims of Human Trafficking Just Walk Away?,” StopTheTraffik.org says that traffickers use “a variety of psychologically and physically coercive techniques to trap their victims in plain sight.” These techniques include, but are not limited to:
- Taking away victims’ documentation and limiting their communication to make them dependent.
- Lying to victims about their ability to survive on their own.
- Threatening victims and abusing them into submission.
Sadly, because trafficking victims are lied to, threatened, beaten, bribed, and coerced into staying enslaved, it’s incredibly difficult for them to escape on their own. But no one should have to stay in a dangerous or humiliating situation. We fight this fight because our heart desires to bring freedom to these vulnerable victims of modern slavery.
To Aid in Their Healing
“For I the Lord love justice; I hate robbery and wrong; I will faithfully give them their recompense, and I will make an everlasting covenant with them.”
-Isaiah 61:8
Another reason we fight against human trafficking is to help bring victims to a place of restoration and healing. Following their rescue, most human trafficking victims need assistance in one way or another. Depending on their situation, their needs include (but are not limited to):
- Safety
- Housing
- Food/Clothing
- Translation
- Legal Guardianship
- Legal assistance
- Medical care
- Counseling
- Substance abuse treatment
- Transportation
- Life skills
- Education
- Financial assistance
- Job training/employment
If we truly want to help human trafficking victims, we can’t stop at the rescue. We have to walk alongside survivors after they are free and help them thrive. There are countless ways to empower them and help them get their life back. The trauma and pain of trafficking can have long-lasting effects. We want to be there for victims in the long haul and show them the love of Christ in tangible, practical ways.
To Deliver Their Perpetrators to Justice
“Whoever steals a man and sells him, and anyone found in possession of him, shall be put to death.”
-Exodus 21:16
Human trafficking is a heinous crime that the Lord hates. This is why CRG conducts REAL operations to not only rescue trafficking captives but also apprehend their captors. We partner with local law enforcement agencies to locate and catch traffickers, putting them behind bars where they belong.
Ultimately, this is the biggest reason we fight against human trafficking. We are called to defend those who cannot defend themselves. Proverbs 24:11 says, “Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter.” This is our “why.” Jesus was the great Rescuer. He came to save, heal, and deliver, and we reflect His character when we fight trafficking.