Takeways from Sarah Ryan's GIP Event: Understanding Trafficking in our Community and around the World

         Sarah’s presentation consisted of a discussion with three panelists who all work to combat the harms of human trafficking. The first panelist was Alexandra Badie, who works for an international organization that helps women and girls recover and heal after being victims of human trafficking. The next panelist was Brandon Cox, the director of a program similar to that of Alexandra Badie, a program that helps rehabilitate victims of human trafficking. Lastly, the final panelist was Sgt. Jeffrey Walker, the a part of the Los Angeles human trafficking special task force. Overall, this was an incredibly engaging and interesting discussion. What struck me most was how prevalent human trafficking really is in the world today. In addition, I feel like I have come out of this discussion with a new understanding of what human trafficking is itself. Before, I had imagined that it was something rare, and would happen when a creepy stranger in a white van suddenly abducted you off of the street. This is not the case. Rather, most instances of human trafficking are much more nuanced, and often involve a relationship between the victim and their trafficker. It's about unequal power dynamics, abusive relationships, and grooming. Overall, I felt that Sarah lead a lively and eye opening discussion on human trafficking, I think leaving everyone with a new and better understanding of what human trafficking is, and what we can do to help combat it.