Anti-Human Trafficking
The crime of human trafficking is a worldwide public health issue, one that’s a top priority for the Sisters of Mercy and aligns strongly to our mission. Because healthcare providers are sometimes the only professionals to interact with victims of human trafficking, we have a unique opportunity to offer care and connection to supports that can help bring an end to this offense.
Because human trafficking is an underground crime, statistics regarding how prevalent it is are difficult to obtain. The Iowa Attorney General’s Office has stated it occurs at some level in every town in every state. As agencies in our area that work with teens and young adults report growing incidences of human trafficking every day, Mercy’s anti-human trafficking coordinator – one of just a few in the nation – provides a critical service.
According to Chains Interrupted, a Cedar Rapids nonprofit fighting against human trafficking:
- The International Labor Organization (ILO) estimates there are over 40.3 million people trafficked in the world, with over 1/2 million in the US.
- Human trafficking has been reported in all 50 states.
- Victims are young children, teenagers, men and women.
- Hope for Justice reports they have rescued children less than one year old to adults older than 63.
- 98-99% of victims are never rescued.
- The average life expectancy once trafficked is just seven years.
- The average cost of a human slave (trafficked victim) worldwide is $90.
Anti-Human Trafficking Work at Mercy
From KGAN CBS-2, July 2018
