"Can you pass the potatoes?" My mom's voice broke the hum of our family dinner. It was my first meal back home after another intense semester at the University of Dayton. The table buzzed with familiar voices, sharing stories and catching up. Then, inevitably, the conversation shifted to me.
“So, what’s this internship you’ve been talking about?” my dad asked, leaning forward with curiosity.
“Well,” I began excitedly, “I secured a fellowship through the Human Rights Center at UD. They’re sending students and graduates around the world to address various human rights issues. For example, one person is heading to Ghana to work with the Initiative for Gender Equality and Development, and another team is off to Washington DC to assist at Counterpart International. And me? I’ll be staying here, working with Abolition Ohio to combat human trafficking.”
“Human trafficking?” My mother’s eyebrows knitted in confusion. “Isn’t that something that happens in places like Venezuela or Mexico? And haven’t we already secured the rights to autonomy here? It’s just the unintelligent or naive who fall for those traps, right?”
My parents’ reaction was a preview of the misconceptions I would encounter repeatedly as I shared my mission with others. Many people had a skewed understanding of human trafficking, shaped by sensational media reports or political rhetoric. The truth is that human trafficking is pervasive, transcending borders and affecting all societies, including our own backyard in the United States.
In fact, in 2018, the U.S. was ranked among the top ten countries for the highest number of human trafficking cases (Polaris Project). What’s more, major U.S. cities are reported to generate between $40 million and $290 million annually from human trafficking activities (National Human Trafficking Hotline). With nearly 10,000 new cases reported each year, it’s clear that this issue is deeply rooted in our society and affects a broad spectrum of people, not just the vulnerable or “unintelligent.”
The reality is that human trafficking can ensnare anyone. Data from the Polaris Project reveals that traffickers often target individuals’ vulnerabilities, which can include anything from financial hardship to emotional needs (Polaris Project). Immigrants, people of color, LGBTQ+ folx, and homeless youth are particularly susceptible, but no one is immune. We all have vulnerabilities, and as Cheryl Hunter, a renowned advocate against human trafficking, often phrases it, we all have to be willing to consider, “What’s the chink in our armor?”
As I have watched and listened to more of Hunter’s content, I have found myself continuously coming back to this question. Likewise, as I delved into my internship, I became even more aware of how easily any of us could be lured and exploited. The trust is that the stereotypical Hollywood depictions of human trafficking, like those in movies such as “Taken,” are far from the common reality. As a matter of fact most victims are not kidnapped but rather manipulated and coerced through well-developed psychological tactics, exploiting their weaknesses and impacting those of all genders, ages, races, and economic statuses (National Human Trafficking Resource Center).
During my time at Abolition Ohio, I aimed to dispel such myths and raise awareness about the true nature of human trafficking. I wanted to show that this is not just a distant problem, but rather that it affects all communities, and we each have a role to play in combating it. Initially the role that my supervisors assigned to me was enhancing the program’s online and social media presence. Despite never having used platforms like Instagram, Facebook, or Snapchat, I embraced the challenge, seeing it as an opportunity to advance my goals of myth-busting and empowering the public with reliable information.
As a consequence of this belief, I immediately dove into creating educational graphics and posts highlighting how to spot signs of trafficking, volunteer opportunities, and ways to report suspicious activities. I found myself at the computer, animating, designing, and researching for long hours and at odd times of the night, exhilarated by the idea of what this information could do for my community. However, soon one of my supervisors thankfully pointed out to me that a gap was existing in my strategy: I had not created any video content yet. Recognizing the power of video to engage and inform, I plunged into learning how influencers crafted compelling reels, shorts, and stories.
Throughout this period of research, I gleaned much information regarding viewing behavior, scrolling habits, and tactics that have been proven to boost viewer retention and engagement. The teenager who once had never been on social media, quickly had become obsessed with statistics regarding closed captioning and the impacts of rapidly changing graphics (Social Media Examiner). Empowered with this knowledge, I commenced to produce short, impactful educational videos featuring eye-catching visuals and professional voiceovers, thanks to a family connection that provided free access to advanced video creation software. This resource allowed me to generate content efficiently and effectively, ensuring it reached a wide audience.
Creating these videos and posts was an eye-opening experience. Throughout this journey, I discovered how by using enhanced visuals and interactive dialogue, I could transform abstract data into personally resonating commentary. By being granted the opportunity to participate in this amazing program, I believe I have made a tangible difference in the fight against sex and labor trafficking. Educating the public about human trafficking is crucial in fostering a community that is vigilant and proactive in protecting its members. While my work has yet to be unveiled to the public, the responses that I’ve received so far have been overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing newfound awareness and a commitment to stay informed and involved.
Reflecting on my journey, I’m proud of what I’ve accomplished and excited about the future, planning to continue volunteering with Abolition Ohio this upcoming school year. This internship has not only deepened my understanding of human rights issues, but it has also strengthened my resolve to make a difference. Overall, I look forward to seeing where this path will lead me and how I can contribute to a world where every individual’s autonomy and dignity are respected and protected.
Sources
- "2018 List of Top 10 Countries for Human Trafficking." Polaris Project.
- "Human Trafficking and Major U.S. Cities Revenue." National Human Trafficking Hotline.
- "Who Are the Victims of Human Trafficking?" Polaris Project.
- "Myths and Realities of Human Trafficking." National Human Trafficking Resource Center.
- "The Science of Video Retention and Engagement." Social Media Examiner.
Hello! My name is Peyton Grimes, and I am currently in my second year at the University of Dayton, majoring in Criminal Justice and Spanish. Being highly passionate about justice and advocacy, I have interned with Abolition Ohio this summer, where I dedicated my efforts to combating human trafficking and raising awareness about this critical issue within our community.