Book Review: Off the Street

A few weeks ago I had the pleasure of meeting Detective Christopher Baughman of the Las Vegas Police Department in person and chatting with him about his book, “Off the Street.” (to be released September 2011). You see Detective Baughman is the lead for the Las Vegas PD’s Pandering Investigation Team, part of Las Vegas Vice, and his book details the team’s first case. His mild manner belays his internal fire to protect those who are unable to protect themselves. Our discussion ranged from technologies described in his book, to human trafficking situation in Las Vegas where literally hundreds of vulnerable children and adults are manipulated into the sex trade. I also asked his permission to share the review pre-publication, to which he agreed. Read more…

Sex Trafficking in the United States – 2 New Voices (“Real Men Don’t Buy Girls”)

Demi Moore and Ashton Kutcher launch their foundation to address sex trafficking of children in the United States. The skeptic says, “This can not be.” The hopeful says, “There aren’t many.” And the activist says, “Where are they and how can I make a difference.” I want to spark the activist in all of us, educate the skeptic in each of us and engage with you the shared hope that if we each take one demonstrable action we can take one of these individuals who are exploiting our youth off the street and make a difference to many children – today and tomorrow. — Read more…

When you step into your past, you may step into a cow-patty

The Thai people remain amongst the friendliest and engaging in the world. My childhood memories will remain, I am glad I was able to show my bride Thailand the land of my youth. I felt during my walk through my personal life’s history, I had stepped into a cow-patty. It is most lamentable Thailand has allowed the denigration and exploitation of women and children to evolve to the current levels, and in the process acquiring the moniker of “Sex tourism destination of choice.” – Read of our experience during our recent anniversary trip…

Human Trafficking: Diplomatic Immunity in the US?

Do diplomats who engage in Human Trafficking or enslavement in the United States enjoy diplomatic immunity? The question is often asked and the answer isn’t always, yes.

Human Trafficking Awareness Day 2011

Today is January 11, 2011, Human Trafficking Awareness Day, unfortunately.  The 13th Amendment was signed by President Lincoln on February 1, 1865, unfortunately some 100+ years has been insufficient to remove slavery from the United States.  So we who live in the year 2011 have to have a day to remind us that we have more of our fellow-man enslaved …

Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking

On 15 September, the House Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security conducted a hearing on “Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking” in the United States. (NB: A minor in the United States is an individual under the age of 18.) On ongoing issue in the United States which every year touches over 100,000 children. The sex trafficking and exploitation of a child victim, on average …

The Connection: Hunger & Sex Trafficking of Children

Were you aware that hunger, food insecurity is one of the root causes of individuals finding themselves victimized by Human Traffickers?  You might be asking yourself how is this possible.  In urban and rural situations both within the United States and abroad the number of families living under the poverty level continue to increase.  In the United States this number is 14.3% …

Human Trafficking: Children and Texas (Sex Trafficking)

In a previous blog, “Human Trafficking: Children as a Commodity“, I initiated the sharing of my thoughts on the trafficking of children in the United States, providing some of the findings from the Shared Hope International‘s May 2009 national report, “Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking – America’s prostituted children.”  In the piece I noted how “The skeptic says, “This can not …

Human Trafficking: Children as a Commodity?

Human Trafficking. The term conjures up a number of different images.  Perhaps for those unfamiliar with the term, it may bring to mind a crowded urban sidewalk at quitting time, while those with a familiarity may create the visualization of an individual being bought and sold as a commodity.  For most, it takes their mind and soul to a sympathetic …