After graduating from Brigham Young University – Idaho, I set my sights on graduate school and was drawn to Florida State University’s program. While exploring opportunities in Tallahassee, I discovered STAC and was inspired by their vision, innovative approach to combating human trafficking, and extensive resources. Since I’m passionate about working in anti-trafficking efforts, I reached out and connected with Robin, the Executive Director, who invited me to write a blog post on the topic.
We often think of human trafficking as portrayed in the movie Taken, where a child is abducted, leaving their family in a frantic search, tearing apart every square inch of their city until the child is found and returned home. While this form of trafficking does exist, it is much more insidious in reality. More often, trafficking happens right under our noses.
Human trafficking does not discriminate—regardless of color, gender, status, or age. While anyone can be vulnerable, traffickers often prey on those with unstable home lives or without a strong support system. The grooming process starts small: small gifts in exchange for seemingly harmless favors. Over time, this builds a psychological bond between the trafficker and the victim. Eventually, those small favors escalate into “one-time” sexual favors, which can quickly spiral into full-scale human trafficking. Traffickers may be random strangers, but just as often, they can be family members—an uncle, aunt, or cousin.
The psychological bonds traffickers build with their victims can be so strong that even after escaping the situation, survivors may return to their abuser, believing they have no other options.
Learning about human trafficking can be shocking and difficult to confront, especially when we realize it happens in our communities. However, one of the most impactful ways to combat trafficking is to break the stigma of discussing it. Through programs like the community conversations held by STAC, we have opportunities to open up the dialogue, better understand survivors’ experiences, learn to spot the signs, and discover the resources available to help.
Human trafficking can happen to anyone, anywhere. I often think of my own family and how I would feel if they became victims of trafficking. Every person who has survived trafficking—or is currently trying to escape—is someone’s family member, someone’s daughter or son, someone’s best friend. We are all part of the same human family. Human trafficking isn’t a statistic; it’s someone’s life, stolen.
By educating ourselves through programs like STAC, we have the chance to become advocates for those whose voices have been silenced, helping them find the strength to reclaim their voice and rebuild their lives.
Brookelynn Pinheiro
About Me
My name is Brookelynn Pinheiro, and I am originally from Fairbanks, Alaska. I recently graduated from BYU – I with my Bachelor’s degree in International Relations and Economics. I have a deep love for language learning and speak Spanish and Portuguese at varying levels. Currently, I am pursuing my MPA with the ultimate goal of working with an anti-human trafficking organization such as STAC!
