116: The Evil in Our Own Backyard

When you think of sex-trafficking, you may think of unspeakable things happening to unknown faces in far off places. That’s probably why you live where you do. You want to be surrounded by people who hold the same morals and values you have and protect yourself from such evil.

If so, you may be shocked to learn that sex crimes are perpetrated against children right here in our own backyard. And that it has been going on for years. You might also find it hard to fathom that there are organized groups of people committing heinous crimes against our children in communities we’ve always believed to be protected from the world.

It is time to educate ourselves and speak out against these atrocities. In this special episode of Longing for More, we talk to former victim of sex trafficking, Kelly Patterson, and the Executive Director of a local domestic abuse shelter in Central South Dakota, Sarah Reinhart.

They are going to share what to look for and what to do if you see any possible evidence of trafficking in your community.

Be sure to come back next week when Kelly shares her personal story of how God protected her during her years of being trafficked and how she is using the experience to help others understand one of the worst epidemics devastating our world today.

Main Points From the Show

We discuss the forms of Sex Trafficking:

• Street or Red Light Trafficking (typically not common in rural areas)
• Familial Trafficking where family members are selling or trading members of their own family
• Romeo Pimps where a boyfriend or husband will sell services of their girlfriend or wife 
• Ring Trafficking where an organized group of people traffic victims in a “mob-style” group or syndication ring – this type is very technologically advanced

Trafficking is very easy to hide here in the midwest with our wide-open spaces and our tendencies to know and trust others.

Red flags to look for are exhaustion; sickliness; teenage rebellion; runaway youth; sexualized behavior; sleep issues; nightmares; insecurity; and tattoos particularly bar codes, crowns, bags of money, diamonds, or a male’s name.

Also, watch for women (or can be men) who are skittish or unsure of themselves and look to the other person for everything, they don’t have possessions of their own. 

Also watch for bruises and others signs of abuse or neglect. 

Quotes from the Show

If you see something, say something. 

If we don’t speak out, our silence may be interpreted as approval.

If something doesn’t feel right, trust your gut. Report it. 

Resources

Kelly’s Book can be found in various places. Here is the link to it on Amazon. 

Connect with Kelly on Facebook at: @treasuredlivessd

Connect with Sara Reinhart at: http://www.missourishores.com/

Crisis Line: 1-800-696-7187

Listen to episode 78: The Call to Freedom (https://www.vonajohnson.com/78-the-call-to-freedom/)

Call to Freedom Contact information: 

https://calltofreedom.org

Call: 605-261-1880

1800 W. 12th Street, Suite 100, Sioux Falls, SD 57104