The Sound of Freedom Ripples
I believe it brings to the viewer the comprehension of what the sex trafficking of children means, at least a glimpse of it, and the barriers those combatting it face.
There is much discussion regarding the veracity of Sound of Freedom. I found that for our efforts to stop trafficking, it is best to view the result of the movie separate from the people involved in making the movie. I believe it brings to the viewer the comprehension of what the sex trafficking of children means, at least a glimpse of it, and the barriers those combatting it face. The frustrations of those who rescue to get assistance. These points made in the film were consistent with my experiences. I hope as a society we can agree on those no matter the storyteller.
I hope it moves more people to action. I was first moved to action in 1998 by a short news story about a boat with slave children on it. I was so angry that I went back to college and became an expert in the field. I have rescued for over 20 years now.
I trust the messages in the film will bring more people to action.
And yes, often the evil that allows children to be raped for money to continue dupe us into believing a lie.
Also, one thing I have often found is that as evil as drug dealers are, a few of them think sex trafficking of children is worse. I frequently mention that in my training. I recall a few cases where the drug dealers have rescued victims or turned-on traffickers.
That should show you just how evil human trafficking is!
It takes constant vigilance!
One of the evils that allow it to continue is the division and the distraction from the real problem. If we all can just unite for the children and victims- we would be able to stop this. Infighting is what keeps us separated and allows the evil to continue.
We need to pay attention to the goal and purpose (rid ourselves of the scum that sells human beings) and not get lost in the subtext of too much significance. Together we can educate parents with reality, not just to raise awareness but to factually create forward action.
The real discussion is how can children be sold for sex and how can it stop? How can all of us stop it? Why does slavery exist anywhere in 2023, how can it exist in the US? Why are children sold for sex? Who buys them? How many have been arrested? (Not many). What more can be done? How do they recover? Are their families getting help? Has this happened to someone I know? (If you ask 10 or 20 of your friends and family you will find it has).
Debate about Tim or others is a distraction. I do not know him and cannot tell you how to vet where you donate- each person needs to do that themselves or start your own efforts. That said the movie depicts what is happening right now in the US and every other country. That is the discussion! That is what we need to stop.
For another example of evil in plain sight see this article.
Parents Talk
Some of the parents of children I have rescued have written to me recently. I would like you to take a moment and hear directly from them. I want to leave you with their words.
From A Mom Whose Daughter Was Trafficked.
One sunny morning. One short phone call. My life was shattered in a single moment. I heard words I never would believe could be associated with my family. Sex-trafficking, slavery, handlers, commercial sex.
Overnight I could no longer sleep, eat, or think straight. Deep fear worked to take over our home. Death almost seemed more merciful at times. Everything becomes extremely hard—you still must work, pay bills, take care of your family, all while hiding the hideous emotions you’re experiencing. It’s beyond a pain I have ever felt before.
We now know that statics say 2-5 years is common (once the victim has been placed within intentional counseling and care) for recovery. Our children are worth every effort it takes to recover but coming home is just the beginning.
We can rescue children but it’s the perpetrators and consumers that must be stopped. If we can’t stop them, we will just have millions of new trafficked children to deal with. Money talks but so does our efforts when we ban together. A movement is being created—there has never been a better time to educate yourself and contribute.
No one is safe. Every child is vulnerable. When you drive down a street and you see a kid playing, a perpetrator doesn’t see a child playing, he sees $3,000 a head. It takes just a second for any aged child to be gone. Social media is an open door to your child more than you can imagine.
I always thought that sex-trafficking and human-trafficking happened in third world countries (or to run always). I was wrong. America is the number 1 consumer for sex trafficking.
From The Father of a Young Adult Victim
We live in a society that has no problem at all allowing the existence of strip clubs. I often hear guys talk about how they attend them, and it’s quite common to hear about sports celebrities attending them. But none of these attendees appear to understand how many of the young women working for those clubs got there in the first place. I think if our society had a greater understanding of the coercion that leads to these women ending up in those clubs, we all wouldn’t be so accepting of the clubs’ existence.