Human Trafficking

Back in February I penned a blog about human sex trafficking, a hidden crime that is affecting our local communities and countries at large, an ugly part of our world, that is now a multi-billion dollar industry and growing exponentially. My blog garnered a lot of hits and the response gave me the sense that the general public is very concerned about this crime. I mention this because I was saddened and shocked to hear that Craigslist is again in the news, cited as being a "haven for prostitution and sex trafficking."

It's something we think only happens in far away places and developing countries. A booming black market industry, earning $32 billion dollars annually, more than the worth of Google, Starbucks and Nike combined. Human trafficking for the purposes of selling sexual acts, also known as sexual terrorism, is the use of illicit sex, violence and threats to intimidate or coerce to the state of fear and submission. It's a problem worldwide, but it is becoming more widespread in North America, especially in Canada.

November is adoption awareness month and for many people around the globe this is a non event. If you happen to be adopted or you’re a first parent, it means increased media attention and public awareness and not all of it necessarily good. Since the 1980s domestic adoptions in North America have dropped significantly.