According to childrenatrisk.org, “On a global scale, approximately 800,000 people are trafficked each year and become victims of commercial sex exploitation and forced labor. Eighty percent of these victims are women and children.” Here in the United States, “it is estimated that between 14,500 and 17,500 people are trafficked into the U.S. each year.”
When I started researching for this project, I discovered that the problem of child trafficking is more prominent than I thought it was. Everyday, children who have been forced into this system are treated as slaves. And it happens right here on U.S. soil. In fact, Texas is a major hub for child trafficking.
For this illustration project, I wanted to communicate the fact that children are being exploited and they are counting on us to help them. They are trapped in their situation, being handled like merchandise. Please pay attention to the behavior of children in your community. If you witness suspicious activity involving the transportation of children, contact the police.
Speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute.Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy. Proverbs 31:8-9
Renee Wilcox 