By: Brigid Curtis Ayer
Human Trafficking not Just an urban problem, but affects the rural areas of the Midwest
FISHERS— Human trafficking of girls as young as 12-years old happens every day right here in Indiana. Megan McGuire, advocate who works with female survivors of sex trafficking ages 12 to 17 years old, highlighted the horrifying reality of sex trafficking in Indiana saying “it’s happening here in our own backyard.”
The March 23, presentation took place at Holy Spirit Catholic Church in Fishers, Ind., at the invitation of pastor, Father Dan Gartland. Gartland became aware of the problem through the town of Fisher’s taskforce on mental health on which Gartland serves as a member.
McGuire, who spent most of her life working in the corporate world, said she felt called to lead the emerging non-profit organization called Ascent 121, as the group’s CEO, after serving years on the board at the request of her friend. As a board member, McGuire recalls recommending the group develop a long term business sustainability plan. McGuire said, she felt God was tapping her on the shoulder and saying, “How about you?” So she left her secure job in the corporate world to advocate for survivors of sex trafficking full time.
Ascent 121 provides a human trafficking trauma recovery program for girls ages 12 to 17. Its name, McGuire says, was inspired by the scripture verse Psalm 121 of the NIV. “I lift up my eyes to the mountains— where does my help come from? My help comes from the LORD, the Maker of heaven and earth.”
Girls entering Ascent 121 receive an intensive care recovery program which lasts from six to 12 months. It includes individual and family therapy and offers a weekly Christian discipleship program. “We see God at work, and many girls in our program say God saved them from dying.” McGuire said, “Sex trafficking is horrific. These girls have had sex with dozens, 100’s or in some cases 1,000’s of men. There are a lot of men, drugs and violence that the girls have endured.”
Last year, 2016, McGuire said Ascent 121 has helped 110 human trafficked girl survivors, ages 12-17 recover from the trauma they have experienced. All but four girls were Indiana residents. While boys are also trafficked for sex, at a reported rate of one boy for every six girls. McGuire says Ascent 121 works with girls only ages 12-17. Ascent 121 currently partners with Lutheran Child and Family Services to serve girls who are 18 years and older.
Father Dan Gartland, pastor of Holy Spirit in Fishers, Megan McGuire talk about human trafficking.
Why is human trafficking at epidemic levels?
Many wonder why human trafficking occurs in Indiana. McGuire says it’s a combination of factors working together. Supply and demand creates a market. “Given the over-sexualized culture that we live in that objectifies women, it creates a high demand for sex,” said McGuire.
Human trafficking accounts for the second largest and fastest growing criminal activity in the world say McGuire. “It’s very profitable. You can sell the supply over and over and over,” McGuire says. “Guns, drugs and trafficking top the list of criminal industries. However, unlike guns or drugs, the girls being sex-trafficked can be used over and over again. The supply doesn’t get sold once, but multiple times and potentially for years.”
Nationally, one would think human trafficking only happens on the coasts. Yet a map indicating of where human trafficking occurs shows Indiana’s high rate. McGuire said a distinction can be made between domestic human trafficking and foreign human trafficking. Kiddnapping of girls accounts for most of foreign human trafficking. Also foreign trafficking occurs when a poor family member sells a child for income. In domestic trafficking, girls runaway, or get trafficked by older “boyfriends”.
Sporting events, convention business draw human trafficking market
McGuire says Indianapolis draws large numbers of business men for sporting events including Colts and Pacers games, the Indianapolis 500, and convention business. Many of these men also want sex during the weekend in addition to attending a convention or sporting event.
A supply of readily available young girls being advertised for sale on a Website called www.backpage.com in its “dating” section, and others like it, create a market ripe for business. McGuire said, “These are men who you work with, go to church with, and who live in your neighborhoods that you would never suspect are doing this.” McGuire said it’s not just happening in Indianapolis either, but everywhere in Indiana. It’s not just an urban problem, but it happens all over– in rural, suburban, and urban parts of Indiana.
“Exploitation of vulnerability” creates a ripe ground for trafficking says McGuire. Many of the girls they see at Ascent 121 lacked the love they needed at home. Some lived with families where there a cycle of abuse occurred. Prime targets for trafficking are runaway girls. “The girl runs away at 3pm, and lasts only about two hours on her own, before she is picked up by an older man offering love, giving her a place to stay, and a hot meal. Within hours the girls are being advertised online for sale, and going to work that night,” said McGuire. “It happens that fast.
Exploitation of vulnerability of young girls
The problem is not only affecting runaways. McGuire says girls at these ages are vulnerable even in the normal middle class home. When a teen girl has a much older boyfriend in his 20’s is a warning sign. The boyfriend lures the girl into a “love relationship”. Then he gets naked photos or videos of the girl, and tells the girl he will show her parents the photos. The ‘boyfriend’ uses the photos to blackmail the girl into sex-trafficking. McGuire said some girls are connecting with older men on social media sites right from their own homes.
Ways to prevent trafficking
McGuire offers tips on how to prevent human trafficking and what to do if one suspects someone is being trafficked. “Parents need to be engaged with their children and pay attention to their social media,” says McGuire. “Children should only be communicating with people online that they actually know.” McGuire says, “If you see something, say something.” Local law enforcement and the national trafficking hotline are available to receive reports on trafficking.
Gabrielle Boulet, a sophomore at Hamilton Southeastern High School in Fishers said she knew about some aspects of the problem, but described the presentation as “eye-opening.”
Tina Gillmore, a junior at Hamilton Southeastern High School, said she was “surprised” by how much is occurring in Indiana She says it makes sense given all that is going on in today’s culture. Anna Jirgal, a senior who is home-schooled, but also attends Marian University said she was reassured that they have groups like Ascent 121 to help these girls recover from their traumatic events they endured.
Leah Beach, a freshman at Hamilton Southeastern High School, said she knew it was going on because her parents told her about it. Boulet, Gillmore, Jirgal, and Beach are parishioners at St. John Vianney parish in Fishers, and belong to the Lisieux Sorority, a Catholic girls club for high school age girls which focuses on prayer, community, and growing to be a Christ-centered young woman.
Resources for recovery are available
For more information on Ascent 121, to become a prayer partner, go to the group’s Webpage at www.ascent121.org . The group also offers an ongoing, monthly program to the community. The Prayer Journey program allows persons to drive to and pray at the areas around Indianapolis affected by human trafficking and exploitation.
To report human trafficking or if you think you have come into contact with a victim of human trafficking contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-3737-888.
St. Josephine Bakhita, patron saint of human trafficking. pray for us!
Prayer for an End to Human Trafficking
Loving and compassionate God, open our hearts to Your will and help us to be Your hands and feet to ending the sin of human trafficking. Change the hearts of those who contribute to the exploitation of the most vulnerable members of our communities and send Your healing spirit to restore the hearts of those who have been hurt. Teach us to value life as a sacred gift from You and to live lives of faithful witnesses by being instruments of Your justice, love and peace. Amen.