Cape Cod Human Trafficking Paradox

In this third episode in a series about the hidden crime of human trafficking, we spoke with Cape Cod PATH and Children's Cove, two organizations that raise awareness and bring healing for survivors.

What is human trafficking?

Cape Cod PATH, People Against Trafficking Humans, is one of the stakeholders that received money when the District Attorney Robert Galibois was awarded $97,000 earmarked to combat human trafficking on Cape Cod. Co-chairs Janice Hank and Lois Hirshberg are trained by Homeland Security Investigations to educate the public about human trafficking. They say Cape Cod and the islands are not only vulnerable, but in fact make the perfect setting for human trafficking. This resort destination doubles its population during the summer season, and human traffickers know how to take advantage of that; watch the video to learn how.

What does human trafficking look like on the Cape?

Children are the most vulnerable for falling victim of human trafficking. Cape Cod's child advocacy center, Children's Cove, is identifying potential victims for sexual exploitation. They're seeing an annual increase of 35 percent in referrals. Internet and social media has changed the game, says Jacob Stapledon, Community Engagement Education Program Manager at Children's Cove. Trafficking and grooming start online in 99 percent of the cases.

Can human trafficking be eradicated?

PATH's mission is to eliminate human trafficking on Cape Cod. One step in that direction is awareness and knowledge. Jacob Stapledon says it takes a community effort to counter human trafficking, an invisible crime often operating in the dark. One antidote is prevention, to talk to your children before anything has happened, much like we do regarding water or traffic safety. One of the ways in which these who seek to exploit children to sexually abuse children, is they try to develop relationships stronger than that child has with their parent, with their caregiver, or with other adults in their lives, says Stapledon. To talk to your children could make them seek help sooner. It's never too late to ask for help, says Stapledon, it's never too late to ask for some support.