I heard an interview on NPR today with a nurse from MD. that started the YANA project. The Yanna(You Are Not Alone)project is an organization dedicated to providing a safe place for women and children that have been sexually exploited. Their clients are victims of human trafficking and those coerced into prostitution.
I was was amazed at the prevalence of the human trade within the United States. This issue came into light a few years back when certain diplomats in DC were found to have brought "domestic workers" from their homeland, with the hope of a better opportunity and education, only to find they were nothing more then slaves. They were forced to work 18hr days and confined indoors to one room, just miles away from the capital. The latest story involves an Army Private from Millersville MD that coerced a 16 yr. old girl to join a sex trafficking ring advertised on Craig's List.
It is staggering to realize the number of women, and children who are forced into sexual servitude in this so called "land of the free". This cycle is further fueled by drug addiction and abuse. The Yanna project is a nonjudgmental safe place for victims to find food, shelter, and vocational training to break the chains of slavery, and allow them the oppurtunities that were so unfairly taken from them. The existence of the Yanna Project here in my home town,brings to light the reality of this issue. It is not confined to third world countries. It is here. From the women that walk the streets to the ones confined indoors. No one says : "When I grow up I want to be exploited."
1 comment:
It is truly horrific to know what goes on behind closed doors in our country. As long as there is a place for refuge for every personal circumstance, hope will always remain.
I really admire your humanitarian nature, wanting to make a difference in this world. On a personal level, you truly have a gift to help others realize their own humanitarian potential. Thank you for doing that for me. :)
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