It’s a difficult subject to talk about, but one that every community must learn to handle. Julie Palmer, Executive Director of PATH (People Against Trafficking Humans) of WNY, spoke with Tonawanda teachers during an assembly on human trafficking.
Palmer, who founded the PATH Enrichment Center in downtown Buffalo, says human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery that is growing in astounding numbers, even in our own community. She says hundreds of people have been rescued right here in WNY in the past few years.
“We serve teens and we have teens in almost every district in WNY, affecting all schools,” she said. “We’re serving up to 50-75 teens at any time.”
Palmer says the average age of exploitation is 12-14 years old and the internet is the main recruitment tool. She says predators look for vulnerability: kids who have been abused, neglected, have run away, are experiencing language and cultural barriers or are going through other social-emotional difficulties in their lives without support.
Scott Benson, a High School Business and Technology teacher, says he didn’t know a lot about human trafficking before the presentation and it was very surprising how prevalent it is.
“The fact that with Snapchat, they instantly know your location. It reminds you how little privacy people have and how predators can very easily use online communications against these kids,” he said. “Kids think the more friends they have the better, but they don’t know those friends and maybe shouldn’t trust them with their information.”
Palmer says education is the best way to increase awareness and help prevent exploitation. Anyone in need of basic housing, transportation, healing or other restoration services can contact PATH at 716-601-5678.