At SARCC, our mission is to prevent sexual violence and promote healing. One form of sexual violence that many people may not realize that is in our community is human trafficking. “Today, over 50 million people worldwide are being trafficked or live in modern slavery” (Sidewalk Installations | Red Sand Project). We want to spread more awareness of this issue, so we are launching the Red Sand Project in both Lebanon and Schuylkill Counties.
The Red Sand Project is a universal movement that allows people to “question, connect, and take action against vulnerabilities that can lead to human trafficking, modern slavery, and exploitation” (Red Sand Project). Molly Gochman created this project. You can participate by simply pouring red sand into the cracks of sidewalks.
Remember,
- Over 50 million people are being trafficked
- 27.6 million people on any day are forced into labor
- 11.8 million are female
- 3.3 million are children
- 6.3 million people in situations of forced commercial sexual exploitation at any point in time (Join The Movement | Red Sand Project).
- 4 out of 5 of this 6.3 million are female
- 22 million people are living in forced marriages
The Red Sand Project also states that the “International Labor Organization estimates that forced labor and human trafficking is a $150 billion industry worldwide” and “The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children received more than 19,000 reports of possible child sex trafficking”. Human trafficking is a huge, worldwide issue that is affecting too many people. At SARCC we want to change this high number. We start by spreading awareness. The Red Sand Project allows us to do this. We plan to participate in this movement to help stop human trafficking and continue to support our goal of preventing sexual violence and promoting healing. SARCC offers counseling, advocacy, accompaniment, therapy, and a 24/7 support hotlines (717-272-5308) (570-628-2965) to any survivors that need it (SARCC – Prevent Sexual Violence. Promote Healing. (sarccheals.org)
By Amber Schneck