Shining a Light on Human Trafficking: An Interview with Janet Marie Napper

Trafficking: America's Darkest Secret

January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and to bring attention to this critical issue, I recently had the privilege of interviewing Janet Marie Napper from the organization Overcoming Abuse God's Way. 

In our discussion, Janet shared some alarming statistics about the prevalence of sex trafficking, especially among vulnerable youth. According to Janet, the most at-risk age range for becoming a victim of sex trafficking is 11-13 years old, for both boys and girls. Shockingly, the U.S. Justice Department reports that even children as young as 5-6 years old are being forced into sex acts for financial gain within the United States.

Janet emphasized the importance of prevention through education. Her organization focuses on providing biblical abuse education to help those who have experienced sexual, physical, emotional, verbal or financial abuse. By helping victims understand how they got into their situation from a biblical perspective, and equipping them to overcome the effects like anger, unforgiveness, insecurity and fear, true healing can begin. 

Sex trafficking has now become the most profitable illegal business in the U.S., surpassing both drugs and guns. Janet stressed that it is just as easy to procure a child for sex as it is to obtain illegal drugs or weapons. This is an issue that cannot be ignored.

Overcoming Abuse God's Way offers free support groups for abuse victims in several counties in Tennessee. Through these groups, participants realize they are not alone and can start the process of overcoming the trauma and destruction that abuse causes in their lives and relationships. 

The interview concluded with a moving prayer from Janet for victims currently trapped in sex trafficking, that they would cry out and be heard, be led to freedom and restoration by God's love. Her prayer also petitioned for greater awareness and sensitivity to the reality of trafficking happening all around us.

To learn more about Janet's important work or to support Overcoming Abuse God's Waynull financially, visit their website at overcomingabusegodsway.com. Together we can shine a light on the darkness of human trafficking and extend hope and healing to the victims.