Human trafficking and sex slavery has become a problem of global scale. It is a dark problem most of us would prefer to ignore. However, it is a problem of global proportions that should affect the ministry of the Church, especially in foreign missions. So I thought it was about time for FGM to write a series on the topic. Over the next few weeks we will consider the scope of the problem, the biblical basis for the church’s involvement and opportunities to learn more about the problem and solutions.
Sex Slavery is a very real form of slavery. It specifically targets women and children forcing them to perform sexual activities. Most sex slaves are women, followed by young girls and a small percentage of men and boys. Sex slavery includes pornography, prostitution and other forms of sexual exploitation. Victims are often form poor countries and are offered legitimate employment in another country. Sex slavery almost always involves human trafficking.
Human Trafficking is the recruitment, transport, transfer, harboring or receipt of a person by any means of threat, force, coercion or deception for the purpose of exploitation. Exploitation may include forms of sexual exploitation, forced labor, or other servitude. This is separate from smuggling of people, but may occur in conjunction with smuggling of people.
