Human trafficking is about as bad as it gets. For you and I, the thought of exploiting another human being for commercial gain is unthinkable. However, taking advantage of weak, vulnerable people is big business. The commercial sex trade generates 150 billion dollars a year. As we know from basic economics: supply follows demand.
Corporal Alan Wilkett, a 23 year law enforcement veteran is committed to fight human trafficking. Today, we hear from a man who has seen the worst of humanity. We learn how rampant human trafficking is and what needs to happen to find solutions.
Recently, Corporal Wilkett attended a human trafficking summit where great leaders and advocates for victims of human trafficking came together. The goal of the summit was to find ways to stop the cycle of exploiting humans. It was an incredible experience for him and he left feeling more inspired to continue his work.
Corporal Wilkett portrays the horrors of human trafficking. He describes grooming, which is a slow, effective process of luring children and other vulnerable people into the sex trade. Predators are lurking on digital platforms to find opportunities to groom.
Victims are also "branded". If branding cattle comes to mind when you hear that term, you are not far off. Often times traffickers will leave a mark, usually a tattoo, on the people they "own". This is to advertise to other people in the industry that a particular human belongs to them. It sounds unbelievable, however, many people caught in this ugly trap.
Many victims are held captive. Not physically, but mentally and emotionally. Guilt, worthlessness, manipulation and isolation contribute to feeling entrapped.
Amidst this evil, there is hope and there is help! People like Corporal Wilkett offer a way out of human trafficking. It is not easy, and it is not glamorous, but it is important and meaningful, and it takes a tough person to take this head on.
Corporal Wilkett is noble in his work. His interest in serving is true and I hope you will take some time out of your day to align your cause with his in the fight against human trafficking.
Key Takeaways:
[:35] 2017 Human Trafficking Law Enforcement Official of the Year, Corporal Alan Wilkett is introduced.
[4:11] Who is Corporal Alan Wilkett? Personally and professionally.
[6:19] Corporal Wilkett felt called to a life of serving others. Dr. Jaime and Corporal Wilkett discuss the importance of finding individual purpose.
[11:05] Working in the human trafficking task force is the most intense and most fulfilling work Corporal Wilkett has done in law enforcement.
[14:44] Corporal Wilkett delivers advice on how to combat the inherent challenges of law enforcement.
[21:07] Corporal Wilkett shares his experience traveling to Washington D.C for an exclusive, solution based, human trafficking summit presented by the Department of Justice.
