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A multi-part series on Human TraffickingPARENTS, WISE UP!Your children are being exploited and controlled“It’s the person you least expect, right among us.,”says Ezell.“We need to be talking about this. Predators don’t wear a villain’s costume. They look just like you and me.”Parents, wise up! Most sex trafficking victims are not kidnapped by strangers! Most trafficking victims are preyed upon by someone they know, and traffickers rarely take their victims by force. “Most of the time such predators are slowly grooming the child for sex,” said Staton. “In many cases the child does not see themself as trafficked believing they have some level of free will.”Controlling the child can occur through threats, coercion, deception, or drug addiction. Then the child is used for commercial sex, stripping, pornography, forced begging, magazine crews, au pairs or nannies, restaurant work, hair and nail salons, agricultural work, drug sales and cultivation.Those at risk are not just high school students. Traffickers are known to prey on children as young as 9. They may target such minors through social media websites, telephone chat-lines, after-school programs, at shopping malls and bus depots, in clubs, or through friends and acquaintances who recruit students on school campuses. The physical sex act is often arranged through online social media and occurs at hotels, motels, truck stops, and even B & Bs.If you suspect human trafficking and the crime is in progress call 911 or if it is not life- threatening call Non-Emergency SAPD at 210-207-7273.By Lou Dugganbefore your eyes, right here!“ C hildren are being sold in San Antonio,” said April Molina, Director of Communications for Ransomed Life. “We’re calling it what it is. We want people to know children are being sold in San Antonio,” Ransomed Life is one of the experts for sex trafficking awareness in San Antonio. As such, they have released a map showing San Antonio zip codes and how prevalent child sex trafficking and exploitation existswithin every corner of the city.Yes... right here in the San Antonio area.This article is part of a series that will address the who, what, where, when, why, and how of this crime; the series will also describe aspects about your society, families, neighbors, co-workers, business associates, and others whom you may meet daily.“Sadly, children are sexually exploited in Texas every day. They are forced to engage in sexual activity, often for the financial gain o f t h e i r a b u s e r ,” s a y s t h e C h i l d S e x T r a ffi c k i n g Team’s post on Governor Abbott’s web site.Child trafficking refers to the continuous exploitation of children to generate profit. These children are often sold for commercial sexual exploitation or for labor.The University of Texas School of Social Work estimates that AT ANY GIVEN TIME there are 79,000 TEXAS children and youth who are victims of sex trafficking. Experts now estimate that this inconspicuous evil has become THE NUMBER ONE REVENUE SOURCE for gangs and Cartels, surpassing their drug trade.“It is so profitable,” says Elsa Ezell, Executive Director and Co-founder of Meant to Soar Foundation. “Predators have learned that selling a child can be done over and over.”“They have no concern for humanity, none; it’s pure exploitation,”said Jack Staton, former Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge. “They look at people as merchandise, as a way to make money, pay off debts, or feed their addictions.”Boys and men are just as likely to be victims of human trafficking as girls and women. However, boys and men are less likely to be identified and reported. Generally, the victims are used and sold for sex repeatedly by someone they know, such as an acquaintance, a friend, a family member, or a romantic partner.Special thanks to Meant to Soar Foundation, Coya Cares Foundation, Ransomed Life, Law Corner, ICE Homeland Security Investigations, Save the Children, Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign, University of Texas School of Social Work, and Jack Staton of INS Consulting LLC. Contributions to this series are being made by these organizations fighting Human Trafficking. In future articles prevention, protection, prosecution, and avenues for help will be featured. Watch for these articles as the information may just protect your child.Next Month: Human Trafficking and Social Media.Business NetworkingCoffee ConnectionsWhy not start your day with coffee and make time for new business connections. Bring your business cards, flyers and have a chance to make a 30 second introduction.Thur. March 28, 20247:45 am - 9:30 amValkiria Marketing110 Gallery CircleSan Antonio, TX 78258 Cost: FreeSponsored ByMust RSVP at www.northsidebasa.com click the events tabor call 210-548-6448St. Patrick’s DaySt. Patrick’s DayWomen & Wine Business ConnectionsThursday, March 14 5 – 7 pmAPRICOT LANE BOUTIQUE(Village At Stone Oak Shopping Center Next to Chico’s) 22702 US 281 Suite 105, San Antonio, TX 78258Wear your green in the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day!Enjoy wine & appetizers! Fun ice breaker activitiesFREE EventSponsored ByCharlene Pryor with Southern Girl Cosmetics & Apricot Lane BoutiqueASSOCIATIONRSVP at stoneoakladiesba.com or call ( 210) 421-607610www.stoneoakhighlights.comMarch 2024