As organizations work to raise awareness around the world of the problem of child exploitation, many have come together to fight this form of modern slavery. Although traditional methods of distributing flyers and awareness campaigns are effective, some groups have turned to more extreme measures to end child trafficking.

500 miles in chains to end child trafficking

Eric Proffit tied chains around his arms and feet and set out on a journey that took him across two continents and over 500 miles. In an effort to raise awareness about human trafficking, Eric Proffitt put aside his everyday life and his music to be the first man to Run to the rescue of the innocent victims of human slavery. As a senior in high school, Proffitt was in Oklahoma City on the day of the Alfred P. Murrah Federal Building bombing. The images of watching defenseless children being injured and killed tore at her heart. When Proffitt learned of the child labor epidemic, these same sentiments resurfaced.

As a result, Proffitt set out to stop human trafficking through an extreme measure of his own. His plan was to rally support for the organizations by placing chains around his neck, wrists and ankles as a representation of the 27 million enslaved victims in today’s human slave trade. However, his efforts did not end there. Later, Eric Proffitt ran 500 miles while he wore those chains through the streets and neighborhoods of the city. He began his journey on August 1, 2009 in Washington, DC and ended in New York City 42 days later. His modern abolitionist efforts rallied thousands to join national campaigns and movements around the world focused on ending human slavery.

Motorcyclists join the fight to stop child trafficking

A group of men and women, dressed in leather jackets, chaps, gloves and boots, have made a cause out of their love of motorcycles. Members of BACA, or Bikers Against Child Abuse, are committed to stopping child abuse in all its forms. BACA members rally around abused children to provide invaluable emotional and physical support. The organization does not encourage the use of physical force or violence; however, its members are keen to discourage abusers. Members of the organization have helped children feel less frightened by criminals in the courtroom by being present during hearings and testimony.

BACA appeared in 2009 at a local community awareness walk to offer support and attention to the cause of child sex trafficking. Instead of simply walking the route to raise support for the cause, BACA members jumped on their motorcycles to make their presence known along the route. Their participation drew attention to modern day slavery and sent a bold message to those involved in this tragedy that trafficking is an abuse and BACA will not tolerate it.

Trucking Industry Helps Stop Modern Slavery

“Truckers” are notoriously known for fueling demand in the sex industry by buying sex acts from prostitutes, many of whom are girls. However, not all truckers are part of the problem. Many truckers and trucking organizations are finding ways to get involved to end the epidemic of child labor. Their efforts range from being trained to identify an exploited child; use of mobile billboards; post a photo of a missing child in the back of his eighteen-wheeler; or post information in break rooms and truck stops. Drivers are doing what they can to help end human trafficking. Many drivers are willing to be on the lookout for potential victims while on the road and are ready to contact authorities if they come across a potential victim. The initiative to help stop human exploitation is supported by various state trucking groups, trucking associations and others in the industry. Transportation of victims, whether day or night; now it is becoming less frequent thanks to positive support from truckers on the road.

How you can help fight modern slavery

Not everyone can go to such extreme measures to end modern slavery. There are many conventional ways you can help, such as joining walking campaigns that are raising support to end child exploitation in the United States and around the world. Join others who are encouraging state governments to enact tougher penalties for violators. Finally, one of the most important ways to get involved is to be aware and tell others about this horrible tragedy that is taking place. With everyone’s effort, it is possible to put an end to child trafficking.