Why Human Trafficking Exists and What Compels Us to Action
By Shauna Storey, COO of NightLight International.
It’s a simple question, really— emblazoned on the human heart even from childhood.
We ask it often as we grow up, seeking to understand the world around us. “Why is the sky blue? Why can’t I have a treat? Why do I have to go to school?”
We ask it as we enter adulthood, in seasons of wrestling with our greater sense of self and purpose. “Why am I here? What am I doing with my life? What drives me to do the things I do?”
We ask it when the unthinkable happens. “Why me? Why now? Why this?”
And we ask it when we just can’t make sense of the world around us— when we hear news of atrocities in the world or in our community. “Why did this happen? How could someone do that? Why haven’t we stopped this?”
It’s a natural question. It’s a difficult question. It’s an important question.
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. As we look together at how to confront the growing realities of trafficking and exploitation, there is no better place to start than the question: "Why?"
Why is the horror of human trafficking a reality in our world today?
Why is it growing at such an alarming rate?
Why do I care about this issue?
Why does it feel so difficult to address?
Why should I get involved? (What could I possibly do?)
These are big questions that won’t find an exhaustive answer in a single article. But they’re powerful questions that—even as we begin to wrestle with them—can begin to illuminate practical strategies and effective actions. As we tackle them, we peel back the layers of confusion inherent in a complex, large-scale, heartbreaking issue and begin to perceive concrete components of the problem that lead us to gloriously concrete components of the solution. And we ignite our hearts and minds to movement.
May I give an example?
When I share about human trafficking in various contexts, I often receive questions about the "why." Why is this happening? Why do people do this? Why is it growing so significantly? Why does it seem so unstoppable? Why aren't we doing more?
There are multiple answers to these questions that we plan to explore in our next blog post. Part of the answer is related to growing demand, to ever-growing sexual appetites fueled by cultural values and the proliferation and normalization of pornography. Part of the answer is related to money. Where demand exists, a lucrative opportunity exists, and there are people ready to take advantage of that opportunity. Part of the answer is related to the vulnerabilities of so many individuals in so many communities who are easily exploited because of those vulnerabilities. And the list of potential answers goes on.
But for each of these responses, what if we peel back the layers even more? Why has pornography become so normalized? Why have we embraced a cultural understanding of sex as personal gratification that does not regard the impact on others? Why is it justifiable to sacrifice people for profit? Why do people take advantage of others’ vulnerabilities for their own gain?
Could it be that these components (and more) are rooted in a deeper issue--a belief system that fails to wholeheartedly embrace the value and dignity of every human being?
If a person has inherent value and dignity, I cannot justify harm to them for my own gratification.
If a person has inherent value and dignity, I cannot justify profit at their expense.
If a person has inherent value and dignity, I cannot justify taking advantage of their vulnerability for my gain.
Interestingly, as we grapple with the whys of a complex issue like this, we may find that it doesn't just reveal driving forces behind the problem, but it can also reveal the compelling vision that motivates us to action.
I’m in this fight because I wholeheartedly believe in the value in every human being. I see the dignity in every person, each made in the image of God, each created with a loving hand and unique purpose.
And the beautiful thing about that "why?" It can find its expression in an infinite number of ways. Whether I work for an anti-trafficking organization and spend my days seeking to reach out to, rescue, and restore those impacted by trafficking and exploitation, or whether I simply look for opportunities in my everyday life to honor and speak to others about the value and dignity inherent in them and others, I can be a part of the solution.
I can choose to honor and care for others.
I can choose to teach my kids about the value and dignity of every human being.
I can choose to put others’ needs above my own wants.
In doing those things, I am fighting human trafficking.
So what about you? With issues as large and complex as trafficking, change and restoration require many people linking arms to act together. Exploring the "why" of this issue is critical—it gives us vision for solutions. But so is understanding our own motivation—our own vision for what could be different and why it should be. In both cases, the why is our starting point.
As we engage with Human Trafficking Awareness Month at the start of 2025, what is your why? How might your why find expression as you walk out the day-to-day of this coming year? Do you realize that you, too, can be a part of fighting for the value and dignity of every human being in ways that are revolutionary and transformational? In ways that move the needle on root causes of trafficking and exploitation?
The why behind this issue is critical. Our own why is compelling. The people who are devastated by this issue are worth it. How will you join in the beautiful work of being part of the solution?
Shauna Storey has served with NightLight International since 2013, and is currently our COO.
