Shaniya Davis: What is Human Trafficking (video)

The horrific case of Shaniya Davis has shed light on a subject often considered taboo: human trafficking. Human Trafficking may be defined as the practice of being lured, tricked, manipulated, or coerced into working for low or no pay. Human trafficking can take several forms, in Shinaya Davis’ case, her mother, Antoinette Davis is accused of using Shinaya Davis as a sexual slave. (click here for a slideshow from the Shaniya Davis case)

Human trafficking can take the form of prostitution, forced labor, and involuntary servitude. Involuntary servitude is defined as using a person, against their will or permission and most often through the use of coercion, and benefiting from the work or labor performed by the slave. Involuntary servitude is illegal due to the Thirteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution.

Though the Shinaya Davis case occurred in North Carolina, Florida is not without cases of human trafficking. (read Human Trafficking ring results in arrests)

Human trafficking is a widespread problem and it affects every nation of the earth. The site, Human Trafficking.org focuses on combating the problem on a global scale. In the case of Shaniya Davis, it is highly likely that allegations against North Carolina social services will be made (at least verbally, if not legally) regarding the fact that they had visited Shaniya Davis’ home and failed to detect signs of abuse. As the investigation continues, more people are stating that they have witnessed signs and symptoms of abuse, including cigarette burns on Shaniya.

In April, 2008 Human Trafficking. Org featured a case where a 12 year old girl was lured into prostitution. The girl went by the name “Tonya” and stated that she had a pimp. Undercover footage showed young children who were being sold as sex slaves and victims of human trafficking. An undercover investigator posed as a buyer, wanting to purchase sex with an underage sex-slave.

When he began bargaining with the pimp, the pimp replied, “If you pay the price you can get what you want, and I can get it for ya." "Really?," the investigator replies. The pimp then says, "Now, if you want something really young, that's $200." The conversation was captured on tape.

According to the study performed by Shared Hope International, between 100,000 and 300,000 children in the United States are at risk for sexual human trafficking each year. There are approximately 2.8 million children living on the streets in the United States and of those, 1/3 are lured into prostitution within the first 48 hours of leaving home.

The study showed that the average age of children being lured into sex slavery and prostitution is between 12 and 14.

Human Trafficking Resources

Human Trafficking.org

Shared Hope International
Shared Hope International on You Tube
Shared Hope International on Facebook
Clearwater/Tampa Bay Area Task Force on Human Trafficking
Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking
 

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