Not So Pretty: Human Trafficking in Maryland

I recently attended an awareness event on human trafficking held at the Hilton by the Xi Sigma Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority ( MANY THANKS) taking place right here in Maryland. I was surprised to find out that most girls get drawn into the lifestyle at the tender age of 13, and even more flabbergasted to hear that 85% of them have already been sexually abused inside the home. Sadly the life expectancy for these girls is just 20 years of age. There is good news, Montgomery County Maryland has done an excellent job of eradicating human trafficking and organized prostitution from its jurisdiction.

What we still can improve on is taking care of young girls and solving the problems that cause them to run from their home lives and into this destructive lifestyle. If you or anyone you know finds themselves in a crisis the Montgomery County Crisis center is an excellent resource. And if you see something suspect place a call to the Polaris Project (Polarisproject.org) 24 hrs a day hotline 1.888.3737.888.