Human sex trafficking—in which adults and children are coerced into engaging in sexual acts for money—continues to be a problem globally, including right here in the United States.
In 2017 alone, the National Human Trafficking Hotline, which allows people to anonymously report suspected instances of this crime, saw 4,460 cases of human trafficking. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children estimated that one in six endangered runaways reported to them were likely sex trafficking victims. One report from the Urban Institute even estimated that the underground sex economy generates more than $50 billion a year, worldwide, including more than $290 million just in a major American city like Atlanta.
U.S. Navy Seals and Retired Police Join Forces to Rescue Human Trafficking Teen Victims Courtesy of Saved In America (SIAM)
Luckily, there are people working to put a stop to human trafficking, including the non-profit group Saved in America, which is based in San Diego, California. The team is made up of former law enforcement officers, Navy SEALs and other former military members.
Joseph Travers, a chaplain and private investigator, is one of the cofounders of Saved in America. He said he was inspired to start the group when he heard the story of Brittanee Drexel, who disappeared in 2009. She is believed to have been kidnapped, raped, and murdered by traffickers.
“I knew that street gangs, prison gangs and cartels took over drug trafficking in the 1980s and then they took over sex trafficking at the turn of the century,” said Travers.
Travers is quick to point out that funding from supporters makes such rescues possible. Travers secured funding for the venture from several sources including the William D. Lynch Foundation — and recruited, trained and licensed his all-volunteer team.