Delve into the unsettling truths of human trafficking as Dr. An Goldbauer shares profound insights in this gripping podcast. Prepare to be enlightened and motivated to make a difference in the fight against this heinous crime.
Empower yourself with knowledge and take a stand against human trafficking. Dive into the in-depth insights below to understand the gravity of the issue and discover how you can contribute to the solution.
Dr. An Goldbauer’s interview on “Intimate Conversations with Dr. Janis” sheds light on the pervasive issue of human trafficking. The discussion spans the psychological aspects, societal implications, and the urgent need for advocacy. Uncover the complexities surrounding this crime and gain a comprehensive understanding of its far-reaching consequences.
In this podcast, Dr. An Goldbauer delivers a compelling narrative that captivates the audience’s attention from start to finish. The exploration of human trafficking is thorough, providing a nuanced perspective that goes beyond surface-level discussions. The seamless integration of psychological insights and real-world implications makes this podcast a valuable resource for anyone seeking to comprehend the gravity of the issue. Dr. Goldbauer’s expertise adds credibility, making it an authoritative source on the subject. The conversational tone ensures accessibility, engaging both experts and newcomers alike. Overall, a thought-provoking and informative podcast that encourages awareness and action.
Table of Contents
Genres
True Crime, Social Justice, Psychology, Advocacy, Current Affairs, Healthcare, Education, Women’s Issues, International Relations, Law
Recommendation
In this episode of the RukusAvenueRadio podcast Intimate Conversations with Dr. Janis, host Dr. Janis Roszler and human trafficking expert Dr. An Goldbauer discuss this growing crime epidemic. They explain how victims are groomed, how trafficking could be happening near you and what to do if you see someone you suspect is being trafficked.
Take-Aways
- Most kidnappings fall into two categories: fast, haphazard “grabs” or slow, methodical grooming.
- LGBTQ children are at high risk of being pulled into human trafficking.
- If you see suspected human trafficking, alert the authorities.
Summary
Most kidnappings fall into two categories: fast, haphazard “grabs” or slow, methodical grooming.
People often equate human trafficking with kids being seized on the street, but that isn’t always the case. Perpetrators also groom many human trafficking victims over the course of many months. These groomers may be adults posing online as children or even teens who have been pulled into the world of trafficking. Young victims often believe they are chatting with an online peer or friend, while their families are unaware of that these conversations are happening.
Traffickers often groom children online and exploit their weaknesses. They eventually persuade some kids to turn against their families, collaborate willingly with criminals and even help them recruit other children as well.
A child does not necessarily have to come from a troubled background to be duped by trafficking schemes. However, children who live in a problematic environment, such as having an addicted parent or having to scrounge for food for their siblings, can be more vulnerable to trafficking, even by relatives who traffic their own children for money or even luxury items, like cellphones. “Sometimes we see familial trafficking, which means from the time the infant is brought into the world, they are prepped for the role.”
“[It is a] situation of recruiting young women to then go out and recruit their friends and create that kind of a pyramid growth.” (Dr. An Goldbauer)
Chaotic environments can also lead to someone becoming a victim. However, children are not the only victims of trafficking; victims can be adults or even seniors.
Many criminal cartels are getting involved in human trafficking, a $150-billion-a-year global industry that is growing, because they can sell one helpless person multiple times – as opposed to drug trafficking, where their buyers use the product only once.
LGBTQ children are at high risk of being pulled into human trafficking.
Children and teens who come out as LGBTQ only to find that their families reject them can end up living on the street and at risk. In some cases, they turn to sex and then human trafficking as a means of survival, or traffickers entrap them because they have nowhere else to turn. In time, a trafficker can take total control over a young person’s life. After being manipulated in this way, it might take years for a child or teenager even to realize he or she has been essentially enslaved.
“The Open Doors Outreach Network…a first responder put in place…by Voices for Florida…changed the way we conduct trainings across many sectors in the market, including medical, dental, mental, mental health, law enforcement, and the judicial system, teachers, schools, counselors…they’ve changed the way we step outside our lanes into the lane of a survivor, and they said the survivor is the expert.”
Criminals manipulate and groom many children, particularly young boys, through video games like Fortnite and Roblox. Law enforcement is using the US Communications Act to “try to hold these companies responsible because harm is done to these children.” Parents often don’t know that some apps can track where their kids live.
Several organizations, such as the Dolores Barr Weaver Policy Center (seethegirl.org), conduct training sessions in medical offices, police departments and other facilities to help people learn how to spot possible trafficking victims. The trainers, many of whom have survived trafficking, teach witnesses to alert the appropriate authorities, but not to approach the victims – particularly since they may not see themselves as being trafficked. Victims may believe their kidnapper actually cares about them. Traffickers also gain “chemical control” over victims by forcing them to take drugs, such as heroin, so that they become addicted.
In many cases, adults also need protection. Charitable organizations, such as the Zero Abuse Project, are trying to raise awareness of this growing threat.
Trainers also teach civilians, such as bus drivers, how to spot possible trafficking victims. Hospital workers are trained to detect potential victims who may even be brought in by the trafficker who injured them. Like other witnesses, hospital workers learn not to confront traffickers, but to contact the police or local victim advocacy group and to try to obtain a license plate number and detailed description.
“There are hand signals, but are we paying attention?…if your gut tells you something’s off, pay attention to it. Make the call. So what if you’re wrong? It’s better that you’re wrong. Right? No harm done…but what if you’re not wrong? What if you’re right?” (Dr. An Goldbauer)
Trafficking can occur anywhere. If you are suspicious and think you may have witnessed a trafficking case, err on the side of caution and alert authorities. Be aware that if you intervene, you may get hurt or cause harm to victims, who may believe the criminal with them is an ally. Not every kidnapping looks like a scene from a tv show or movie with someone being pulled off the street. Victims often suffer sexual assault, abuse, imprisonment and “profound” violence.
The Blue Lightning Initiative helps victims by placing signs in inconspicuous places around airports, pharmacies and hospitals to give them a contact number, so they can reach someone who can help them. There is also a hand signal victims can use to alert onlookers that they are being trafficked or abused, but observers must be aware. If you witness a human trafficking situation in the United States, call the Polaris Project at 888-373-7888 or text 233733.
About the Podcast
Dr. An Goldbauer is a clinical sexologist, professor, RN, transgender care professional, case manager for human trafficking survivors, facilitator for at-risk girls, an educator, researcher and consultant. He co-hosts The Umbrella Hour with Xander Kee, LSCW, on UK Health Radio. Janis Roszler, PhD is an instructor and research chair at the International Institute of Clinical Sexology, a board-certified sex therapist, a licensed marriage and family therapist, a Certified Diabetes Care and Education Specialist, and the host of Intimate Conversations with Dr. Janis. She was named the 2008-2009 and 2021 Diabetes Educator of the Year (ADCES).