No Words. It's Just Sickening

I am not surprised at all by what is alleged in this article and that makes me angry and sad.  I am only surprised it hasn't happened sooner than now.

Nigerian 'baby factory' raided, 32 teenage girls freed


Proverbs 31:8-9

And in Kent...

It's under the radar...kind of.  Far too common and it is always so gratifying to read when the police can get there before the bad guy but knowing (1) this guy isn't so unusual and (2) they succeed far too often (once is far too often...) is what keeps me up at night.  People becoming aware of what happens in their own community is key to shutting this stuff down.  Something seems odd, doesn't sit right?  Call the police.  You might be surprised to find they already know and are investigating or it could be your phone call that saves a child from horrors unspeakable.

Charge:  Kent man tried arrange sex with mother, 13 year old daughter


Proverbs 31:8-9

Way to go Texas!!!

People are wonderful, incredible, awesome...  This is what happens when good men (and women) do something...

Police watch for sex trafficking ahead of big game

Proverbs 31:8-9

Local. Again.

Another local article.  Hopefully Federal Prosecutors will be able to make the human trafficking charges stick.  This also proves that it isn't just men who traffic people.  Women, often victims at one point themselves, will engage in human trafficking.  Greed is a hungry beast...

Charge:  Tacoma woman pimped girls, 13, at doughnut shop



Proverbs 31:8-9

Another Raid

And Seattle has the highest number of child prostitutes rescued in this most recent raid.  As the article says, it's a good thing and a bad thing.  The number - that there be more than 1 - is FAR too high BUT...we're doing something about it and THAT is something.

Take a look.  Think this wouldn't happen in your town?  Please - think again.  It is a rare town untouched by human trafficking, not the other way around.

FBI: 23 child prostitutes found in local raids

Proverbs 31:8-9

In Our Own Backyard

In Tacoma's The News Tribune:

Boyfriend of woman charged...


Proverbs 31:8-9

Bario-Neal Jewelry

I know on this blog I've shared several links to stories of traffickers being arrested and prosecuted, of victims being set free and of those who work tirelessly to change the world in regard to trafficking from the legal side of things.

What I don't think I've shared is anyone who is working from another aspect. Those who make and sell products using fair trade practices. Whenever I come across such a company, I am going to try to share them here, too.

Today I learned of a jewelry company, located in Philadelphia, who, to quote their website: "Bario-Neal jewelry is handcrafted in Philadelphia with reclaimed precious metals; ethically-sourced stones; and low-impact, environmentally conscious practices."

They use ethically-sourced stones. That means their diamonds* and gem stones are not mined by people (adults AND children) forced to work ridiculous hours with absolutely no consideration for safety. The stones they use aren't sold to fund wars. Read their "About + Ethical Practices" page. I hope you're as impressed as I am.

Christmas shopping, birthday gifts, anniversary presents (hint, hint, Aaron :) )... Know someone who is considering proposing to his girlfriend? Send him to this site. They have beautiful pieces from which to choose and they do custom work. How wonderful it would be to look at my hand and know, without a doubt, that my diamonds did not cause harm before ending up in my ring.

Consider your purchases, consider your choices and search for those who combat trafficking in a productive way. Bario-Neal is one of those.

Proverbs 31:8-9

*All images from the Bario-Neal website