On Wednesday, Feb. 28, FLEX mods viewed a human trafficking video, informing students of this problem and how to identify it in their everyday lives.
“Jacksonville, unfortunately, has become a hotspot for human trafficking,” Vice Principal Michael Broach said. “The diocese felt very strongly that high school students should be educated and aware, not just because we want to prevent our students from ever getting into that, but also to be aware of the signs that there are.”
This issue is widespread in Florida, which, according to Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking, is ranked third among the states with the most human trafficking.
The school’s goal is “to promote awareness…and plant the right seeds so that you’re aware of this moral crisis,” Broach said.
It’s important that students understand and are aware of the signs around them.
“You might notice in the community, you might notice with a friend, or… that they may be in trouble,” Broach said. “And maybe it’s not just trafficking; it could be abuse, it could be a range of things.”
According to the Human Trafficking Capacity Building Center, signs that students can look out for are the inability to speak for themselves, physical abuse, odd behavior, randomly showing up with expensive gifts, distancing themselves, concealing clothing or limited freedom or control—cannot control where they go or have little possessions, respectively. There are also resources available on the Diocese of St. Augustine’s website.
Students can act against this issue by “understand[ing] the signs…, [if] someone is struggling, help them get to the right people for help,” Broach said.
“If you see something that is concerning, contact an adult, contact authorities.”
