The Del Shannon 1961 Hit and Bonnie Raitt's 1977 version of My Little Runaway imprints lyrics with the " why" and " where' of runaways, although the hit tune undoubtedly described romantic notions. (The lyrics will be spinning in your mind with the link ??? )
Several bars of the hit tune are pertinent to Human Trafficking:
"And I wonder, I wa-wa-wa-wa-wonder
Why, why-why-why-why-why
She ran away
And I wonder where she will stay
My little runaway"
Runaways are frequent targets of traffickers, preying on their desperate need for shelter and constant, gnawing hunger.
The "why" of running away has many roots: domestic abuse, child abuse, poverty, homelessness and witnessing domestic abuse while the lure of escape towards less violence or poverty are tempting.
The impact of coronavirus (Covid 19), with increased unemployment rates, no traditional schooling outside of the home, mandated social isolation and confinement all contribute to domestic violence involving youths and adults, linking them to vulnerability as targets for predatory human traffickers.
Runaway youth are easy prey for the smooth talk and promises of a warm place to sleep, especially appealing during NH's winters. Many youths will not think through where they will go long term and desperately they may trade labor or sex to satisfy basic human needs. With a runaway's new isolation from family, teachers, friends or caregivers, there is increased vulnerability to being groomed and controlled by a trafficker.
Traffickers are experienced in attracting victims using various tactics:
Traffickers are clever and intentional, using different tactics to draw people into conversation, build relationships and trust, and ultimately exploit that individual.
Romantic – cultivating role as partner (boyfriend/girlfriend), partner, protector
False advertising – misrepresenting terms and conditions of employment, wages, educational opportunities
Who can help spot these likely children, youth and young adults and intervene before they leave home?
With schools closed, teachers, guidance counselors, sports coaches and extra curricular activity advisors are no longer the customary sentries, observing kids' behavior, identifying those at risk and reaching out to offer help and counseling. Due to Covid 19 and only online lessons, the first hand, in- person assessment of teachers, often the best means of observing students' status is no longer the safety net for identifying potential problems and troubled familial relationships. Lacking traditional school, who will step in to be the lookouts and watchdogs to detect troubling signs now?
Kids' friends and families, relatives and neighbors can be more attentive to signs of rebellion and isolation leading kids /youths to run. Here are some points to help increase awareness of human trafficking:
Misidentification: Our preconceived ideas can make it hard to identify trafficking. This can be related to ideas about gender, age, appearance, choice Victims often do not self-identify/media misrepresentations
Lack of alternatives: Victims of trafficking may not have, or be in possession of, their identification/legal documents. They do not feel they have any options if they left – means to support themselves, a place to live and other needs:
No access to an income, home, food, money
No job skills, some haven’t completed their education
Some believe this is the only thing they’re good at/for
Next time you hear catchy lyrics about runaways, be aware of those children, youth and young adults who may be at risk and reach out a hand and offer to listen.
- Jane L. Hart, Task Force member and Community Volunteer