8 | Health Matters: Providence St. Mary Medical Center
T
he numbers are alarming. Human trafficking, a form of modern-
day slavery, is the fastest-growing criminal industry in the world.
Traffickers use force, fraud or coercion to control victims for the
purpose of engaging them in commercial sex acts or labor.
Don't be fooled into thinking these crimes are only committed
somewhere else. The tragic reality is this: Human trafficking occurs
everywhere—in countries around the world; in cities big and small; in
suburbs and exurbs; and, unfortunately, in the High Desert as well.
Victims come from all walks of life, yet many share several
characteristics. They are almost always female, and many are children.
Traffickers often target those who are the most socially and economically
vulnerable. Even in cases where victims have an opportunity to report
their circumstances, many don't speak up, for fear of retaliation.
Fighting Human
Trafficking in the
High Desert
Providence St. Mary's trained caregivers
offer victims hope and safety.
