Despite numerous conflicts, national and international laws, prevention and advocacy efforts, slavery is alive and well.  Even more convicting is the fact that the dynamics that produce this phenomenon, including economic distress, cultural attitudes that marginalize certain groups, and the discrimination and exploitation by more powerful segments of global society that are produced by these conditions, also have changed little over time.  What have changed are the economies of scale that feed this massive, growing global problem. Slaves who were once highly valued investments are now “disposable” items that are very inexpensive to acquire, maintain and, ultimately, replace after producing profits for their captors exponentially greater than their cost. Modern slave traders operate with a near impunity in developing countries lacking the political will, operational legal frameworks and/or resources to effectively pursue them. Meanwhile, developed countries like the U.S. produce a constant demand for the products and services produced by slaves, including sex. A “what happens in Vegas, stays in Vegas” attitude fuels a growing, global sex tourist industry that victimizes adult women, boys and girls.

Disturbing Comments from a recent trip to Costa Rica:

NGO Worker focusing on Victim Protection and Prevention:
“We gave training in being sensitive to victims of sexual abuse to over 300 police officers. After the training, over half of them told us that they had been sexually abused.”

Indigenous Rescuer of Victims:
“After we successfully prosecuted some pimps, the others became smarter. Now most abuse takes place in private places we can’t enter. The victims we do find are afraid to speak out. They are ashamed and don’t think anyone can really help them.”

Local Missionaries:
“We often go to the airport to greet visitors. When we ask adult men why they are visiting, they tell us simply, ‘You don’t want to know’.”