Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is a form of modern slavery -- a multi-billion dollar criminal industry that denies freedom to 20.9 million people around the world. All trafficking victims share one essential experience: the loss of freedom. Human Trafficking is an exploitive violent, criminal enterprise in Indiana and the Midwest; 178 trafficked youth were identified and served by one Indiana service provider in 2016 alone, with victims first trafficked as young as age 7. The SHARE Group which is based in Lake County, Indiana was incorporated for the purpose of creating awareness to human rights abuses in the United States and around the world and to advocate for healthcare and shelter for its victims. If you would like to learn more about what they are doing in our area, click here.

Why is this a life issue?

Much like abortion, human trafficking is based on the lack of respect and value for human life. The abortion industry profits on the lives of the aborted, and the trafficker also profits off of the vulnerable woman and men who he sees as disposable. Human trafficking harms the women, men and children and takes away their right to their own lives. Human trafficking enables forced abortions to thrive, and the clinics are not held accountable for reporting sexual abuse. After our presidant, LCRTL President Len Reynolds,  discovered the tragic reality of human trafficking, he founded the SHARE Group (Sharing Hope Around the Region thru Education).

“I couldn’t sleep for three nights”, he said, after learning of the many disturbing trafficking statistics. There are currently 191 missing persons from Lake County towns and cities alone, not including unincorporated areas of Lake County. Eighty percent of them are under the age of 21.

What can I do?

Help the SHARE Group help others. Spread the word. Come to an educational event. Be an advocate.  Commit to not participating in the commercial sex industry. Take the Indiana IPATH pledge:   To not purchase or participate in prostitution or the commercial sex industry; To hold friends accountable and demand their respect for women and children; To take action on behalf of those vulnerable to sex trafficking; Take part in creating cultural change. Encourage education for youth on topics such as healthy relationships, self-identity, life skills…; Support local organizations that serve victims of human trafficking.

Only we can change the culture of toleration of human trafficking.

Content provided by: The SHARE Group, non-profit Fighting Human Trafficking in Northwest Indiana through education