A Navajo Girl Lured Into Trafficking
Danger On The Internet
You are most likely aware of the danger of being lured into harm’s way through the use of the internet. It’s been happening more and more, given the ever-expanding social media and online gaming platforms. Men (and even women) create profiles online, posing as young people in order to befriend children and teenagers, in order to use them for their own interests. It’s evil and frightening.
A Young Girl Lured Into Trafficking
In a news story published just this past month (Click Here For Article), I learned that a 14-year old girl had been contacted through Facebook by a young man who claimed to remember her from middle school. She met up with him at a gas station where he shared beer and marijuana with her. He told her he loved her, after which they became closer and trust between them grew. However, only months after they’d met, he began to force sexual encounters, was violent, and would threaten her. It wasn’t long before he invited other men over, and she was gang-raped.
Fortunately, after a year, this young girl was rescued but according to the article, this man harassed her for months, as well as having had “systematically lured, coerced, and threatened” her. This young girl’s sense of self-worth has been severely damaged, if not devastated by these despicable events that she was tricked and forced into by evil people. Since being rescued, she has attempted suicide, suffers from PTSD, and requires professional help.
For more information about sex trafficking in Native American communities, see this DVM For Hope Article.
The Lasting Trauma Of Abuse
Those who have been affected by sexual abuse tend to feel dirty and unworthy of love because of what’s been done to us and/or what we’ve participated in. (I know that sometimes I still do). It’s normal to feel paralyzed by the weight of fear, negative self-talk and manipulation of others. It’s also common for those who’ve survived abuse to feel forgotten or overlooked in the world. I’m so sorry if this applies to you.
I don’t know you, but I pray that you are in a safe place. If you’re not, or in any kind of danger, I pray that you’ll find freedom again. I also know that it’s not always possible to summon the strength to come out of the darkness on our own, as some might expect. We need to invite God into the problem, and ask Him to be part of the solution. There are powerful forces at work, even beyond the wickedness of evil men and women. As is written in Ephesians, “we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.” (6:12)
I don’t have all of the answers. (I’m still struggling, too). But if I can leave you with anything, it’s this: you have been created in the image of God. Despite what’s been done to you, what you have done, what you’ve been told, or how you might think about yourself, you are God’s beloved child. You deserve to be treated accordingly.
Important Numbers
- The National Suicide Prevention lifeline is 1-800-273-8255 – It is available 24 hours everyday
- Statewide and national resources:
- New Mexico Human Trafficking Hotline (505-438-3733)
- National Human Trafficking Resources & Hotline (888-373-7388 or text 233733)
For more sources of information about sex trafficking, see the Important Links section of DVM For Hope.