An Open Letter to the Victims and Survivors of Human Trafficking

To every man, woman, and child sold into sexual slavery,

Just a few years ago, I didn’t think twice about you. See, I’ve grown up living in a “bubble,” always protected by those around me, with not a single worry about where my next meal would come from. My friends were all trustworthy, loving people, and my parents were vigilant over my safety.

Just a few years ago, I had no clue that in 2019, there would be 11,500 cases of human trafficking reported (not to mention the thousands more that go unreported). Furthermore, I never knew that there are an estimated 40.3 million victims of human trafficking globally, including children under the age of 18. I thought that trafficking was just young women selling themselves for sex, but what I didn’t realize is that many of these women don’t have a choice, and traffickers don’t discriminate. Victims and survivors come from all backgrounds and age groups.

I’m so sorry that I didn’t know any of this—that I turned a blind and uneducated eye to each of you. It’s not that I wanted to ignore you, it’s just that I didn’t know.

I didn’t know because trafficking isn’t talked about like it should be. The Church steers around the topic. Families avoid talking about it with their kids. Our government pours its resources into other supposedly “important” needs. We donate our money to causes we care about, but we show little care for the millions of human lives being sold into sexual slavery.

When I started working for Covenant Eyes, I started to understand the devastating impact that human trafficking is having on our world. I have learned that pornography is directly correlated to sexual exploitation. I’ve watched renowned businesses subtly support porn and trafficking for their own financial gain. I’ve heard countless stories from men and women who are trapped in pornography addiction, chained to the industry that profits immensely from sexual slavery.

My work has helped me to better recognize my own privilege and safety. But even more so, it has given me a passion to speak up for you—to get up each day, sit at my desk, and fight for you. I want to do better for you. You deserve safety, health, and freedom.

I may not be in the warzone, rescuing trafficked children from their kidnappers, but I want you to know that I am fighting for you, little by little. By working to help others overcome pornography addiction, I am trying to lessen your hurt, even if my impact is small. I am working to be more aware of your needs. I am fostering children from broken homes to help end the cycle that leads many of you to where you are today. This month, I’m adopting a little boy whose mother has experienced what you go through every single day.

I’m doing what I can for you, and even still, I know that it’s not enough. Although I will never be able to fully see you or feel the weight of human trafficking, please know that I’m going to keep fighting to make sure that the rest of the world starts to see you too. It is the very least I can do, and I’m sorry that I didn’t do it sooner.

You are worth fighting for. You were created in the image of God, so why should others get to use you for personal gain?

Want to get more involved in fighting to end sexual exploitation and human trafficking? There’s no better time to start than now! January is National  Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, so what are you waiting for?

10 Ways You Can Help End Trafficking

Defend dignity by donating to the National Center on Sexual Exploitation.

Become a foster parent to children and teens in need. Many cannot find foster homes and are left to fend for themselves, often leading to an inescapable life of trafficking.

If you live in the United States and believe someone may be a victim of human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline immediately.

Live with integrity! Remember, pornography is often the starting point for those taken into sexual slavery, for adults and children alike. If porn is a part of your life, it’s time to quit!