Human Trafficking

Callie Hagen

Human Trafficking

            Edmund Burke once said, “Evil flourishes when good men do nothing”. This truthful statement is applicable to many different social and criminal issues in today’s world. Starting in Africa in the 1600s with the slave trade to America, the enslaving of people has always been an issue. However, it has taken a turn for the worse. Human trafficking is a rising issue and some say, is the modern slavery. Human trafficking is, as defined by Merriam-Webster, “organized criminal activity in which human beings are being treated as possessions to be controlled and exploited (as by being forced into prostitution or involuntary labor)” (Merriam). There are over 27 million women and children who are trafficked each year worldwide (The Issue). It is a rather unknown issue in the United States and it is common among Americans to think it is only a problem overseas. However, in 2012, Lexington had a first human trafficking case that hit home and brought the issue to people’s attention. Human trafficking, the modern day slavery, is a worldwide and national issue, but it has impacted Lexington and can potentially spread to other parts of Kentucky if it is not brought to the public’s attention.

            Worldwide, human trafficking is enough of an issue that it has its own list of the worst countries. However, it is important to remember the statistics of human trafficking are loosely based because the large majority of cases abroad will never be reported; also, that every statistic is of lives deeply affected by cruelty and crimes against humanity (Knight 2). There are fourteen countries on this list, which are primarily in the Middle East. Unfortunately, there are fourteen more countries then there should be. Of these countries is Syria, who is actively trying to combat the human trafficking that is occurring on the Iraqi border. There is an anti-trafficking law that is currently moving through Syrian parliament, which will be the first law against human trafficking in the Middle East (14 Nations). It is estimated that 50,000 women and girls have fallen victim to this prostitution ring as they are lured across the border in search of jobs but are forced to be sex slaves (Davenport-Hines). These women are in extremely vulnerable situations to begin with, often in poverty, before being offered a job abroad, which they are desperate for (Knight 3). Without this law, women arrested for prostitution without a passport will be convicted regardless of prostitution whether she was trafficked or not. Women and girls are also brought across the border to be sold as wives. The prices for young wives can be up to an astonishing ten thousand dollars. It is even common for the man of a family to rent out his own female family members as prostitutes (Davenport-Hines). This is a world where you have to people are skeptical to accept a job in another country in fear of their human dignity. Events like these are so common in places like Syria that they are no longer covered by the news. One campaign against worldwide human trafficking, which brought a lot of media focus, was Kony 2012. The campaign was run by an activist group called the Invisible Children. The group released a thirty-minute viral video in March of 2012 that quickly became a national phenomenon. In focuses on Joseph Kony who in Uganda and adjacent countries kidnaps children, forces them to kill their parents; he makes the girls become sex slaves and boys become child soldiers (KONY). These boys are forced to fight for Kony and do such horrific deeds such as disfiguring people’s faces. These intense crimes against humanity landed him first on the world’s worst criminals list of the International Criminal Court.  The video informed the American public of the injustice that was taking place in Uganda (About). Previously, the issue was completely unknown but once informed, people took action. The same exact thing can be the done across the world to put an end to human trafficking.

            As previously stated, human trafficking has made its way to the United States. There is an estimate of 100,000 children across the nation in the sex and labor trade each year. Thus, it can also be presumed that the number of total human trafficking victims, both children and adults, must be twice this number. Overall, the state with the highest percentage of crisis calls reporting trafficked victims is California receiving almost sixteen percent of the nation’s total reports (Polaris). States that are along the Mexican and Canadian borders are more subject to trafficking because the victims can be smuggled across the border (Polaris). Although sex trafficking is most well-known and common type of human trafficking, labor trafficking is also becoming a large issue. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 defines it as “The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage or slavery” (Polaris). Trafficking is the modern version of slavery in both of its forms, labor and prostitution. People are treated as possessions and are forced into prostitution rings or unpaid labor, just as slaves brought from Africa were treated as property and then used as a business asset, being sold from plantation to plantation. In this way, slavery is still very present in the world, but is now called human trafficking.

            Kentucky, as of 2012, has been the setting of a very horrific human trafficking case. Marco Antonio Flores-benitez is the first person in Kentucky to be convicted of federal sex trafficking charges. Flores-Benitez, Roxana Serna-Olea, Adrian Lezama-Ruiz, and Roberto Salias-Riviera ran an interstate prostitution ring based in Lexington, which was busted in November 2011 (Kegley). All of the accused pleaded not guilty. Flores-Benitez was the leader of the operation according to the courts, who scheduled the arrivals and departures of prostitutes. The team also operated a brothel at Cross Keys Drive, also in Lexington. Salinas-Riviera kept the women rotating to different cities like Nashville, Indianapolis, and Atlanta to try to avoid being caught (Kegley). However, clearly their efforts failed. As a result of all of these charges, he was sentenced in July to fifteen years in jail. The men brought at least one woman from Mexico telling them that she would get a good job with a cleaning service but ultimately persuading or forcing them into their prostitution ring. Serna-Olia was sentenced to four years on persuasion charge, while the other two members await their trials and sentences (Kegley). A case of human trafficking has been identified in every county of Kentucky, proving that it is no small problem that can simply be tucked away under the rug. The amount of trafficking directly corresponds with the demand within the population, meaning that bigger cities like Louisville and Lexington are more susceptible then a less populated smaller city (Knight 2). The problem is magnified with a large increase of people to a certain area. In Kentucky’s case, this would be during the Kentucky Derby.  At this time, “human trafficking nearly doubles in our state, as a large number of tourists / visitors come into town and create a greater demand for products and services that exploit human beings” (Knight 2). This brings human trafficking to a place that we can control and that effects the residents in Kentucky and in the United States.

            Putting an end to human trafficking is, in original thought, quite simple; unfortunately nothing is as easy or as rudimentary as it seems. Human trafficking is, from an economic standpoint, “a market-driven business that relies on the aspects of supply and demand. Simply put, human trafficking exists because we create the demand for its existence” (Knight 1). This is clearly visible in the Kentucky Derby in correspondence with demand. It is the fastest growing criminal enterprise of the twenty first century, generating nearly thirty two billion dollars in revenue every year, half of which is from western nations like the United States (Polaris). It is also the second largest organized crime industry in the world, next to the drug trade. It is estimated, due to its rapid growth, that human trafficking is predicted to surpass the drug trade in growth in a mere five years (Knight 3). This relationship between supply and demand can only be stopped by the decrease or expiration of the demand. Thus, “We create the demand, we create the problem” (Knight 1). Certainly, the issue needs to be addressed in the public arena, which would illuminate the problem and shame the perpetrator. However, to put an end to human trafficking, “there must be a collaborative effort between governments, businesses, organizations, communities and individuals. Together, they need to find solutions that work in their community, and enact them everywhere” (Knight 1). This is the formal side of the crusade against human trafficking which uses legislation and business transparency. Although, the informal side is where the momentum will come from. Awareness and action are what anti-human trafficking institutions are focusing their efforts on. The founder of the Lexington based organization, Slavery is Real, Austin Knight says that he first became aware of human trafficking from a Frontline documentary that focuses on sex trafficking in Eastern Europe. The documentary followed a suspected trafficker, talked to escapees, witness an escapee return to prostitution, and a woman, Katia, being returned to her husband. The documenters caught the traffickers on camera. Olga was videotaped selling girls while Apo and Maria admitted to buying Katia. Both instances were reported however, never pursued by the Turkish Police. This enraged him and was inspired to work actively against human trafficking as a freshman, entering college at the University of Kentucky and “witnessing the rampant verbal and sexual abuse that I was witnessing on both UK's campus and other campuses that I had the opportunity to visit” (Knight 1). After relating his experiences with the documentary he had seen, he was determined to stop the terrible things that were happening in the world. This is what needs to happen, but on a national level by the combination of informal and formal sides of the battle against human trafficking. Giving the public a sense of awareness, will lead to action in the struggle against modern day slavery.

As previously mentioned, the Kony 2012 movement did wonders for the fight against human trafficking, but there is still a long way to go. The largely successful films Taken and Taken 2 have directed much attention. A teenage girl takes a trip abroad with a friend and an outgoing man they just met offers them a ride from the airport. After dropping them off, abductors come back to the apartment and take them to be sold into a sex ring. Although they somewhat inaccurately displays who the human trafficked people are, the initial idea is theoretically possible (Knight 3). The point is that the public was shown the injustice of human trafficking and also by the audience siding with Liam Neeson’s character, it brought hatred and disapproval onto the people who run human trafficking around the world. Films like this are a form of awareness that institutions are trying to advertise and promote the issue of human trafficking as a way of informing people. This is also done through website, speeches, awareness materials, and charities (Knight 2). Their other goal is action. Activists try to educate people about human trafficking and to do something about it. They provide the public with ways to make a difference like donating, educating, volunteering, and reporting any instances of crime (Knight 2). Another part of the action goal is what kind of action one is participating in; a volunteer can have a neutral impact and or a positive impact. Both are influential and help combat the modern day slavery. Neutral Impact is making sure that as a volunteer or activist, you do not want to be contributing to any form of human trafficking (Take Action). This helps lower the demand involved with human trafficking. Positive Impact is taking “direct action by creating a positive change in the issue of human trafficking through donating, volunteering and educating” (Take Action). This type of action is exactly what these organizations are working to accomplish. It is possible, that the key to putting an end to human trafficking may lie in these instrumental organizations.

Here in Kentucky, as well as all over the country, efforts are being made by organizations to help put an end to human trafficking. Based in Louisville, Rescue and Restore Kentucky has been actively working toward a human trafficking free future across the state. They have a branch in Lexington, which is called Slavery is Real and is run by University of Kentucky student, Austin Knight. Recently, Slavery is Real teamed up with “Jessamine County Educhasers to compete in the 200 mile long Bourbon Chase, an overnight relay that runs through the beautiful state of Kentucky” (Events). This event was called Strides for Freedom. Prior to the race, they raised five thousand dollars to be put towards the end of human trafficking. These are the kinds of efforts that organizations like Slavery is Real are doing across the country as well as internationally. Human Trafficking was the platform of the 2010 Miss Michigan, Katie Lynn LaRoche (Michigan). Miss Michigan has her own charitable organization that works directly with an anti-human trafficking organization called Mati Nepal. During her work after winning her title, she raised money for her charity in Nepal, with a very unique fundraiser. One school in every district did a fundraiser on May 1 2011 for human trafficking. However, all of the schools competed against each other to see which school could raise the most money for One World One Future and the winning school will receive both a trophy and a cash prize (Michigan). It was highly successful at raising money and awareness for human trafficking in both Michigan and Nepal while her presentations to the student bodies helped inform the younger generation. Through these examples, clearly there has been a lot of time and effort being put forth to educate people of the modern slavery and to stop human trafficking in Kentucky, in the United States, and in the world.

            It is now evident, that human trafficking has become a very relevant issue in the World, the United States, and even here in Lexington. Slavery has shaped itself into another form and is once again threatening people’s freedom. It is a right that we need to stand up for and protect.  In human trafficking, statistics aren’t just statistics; they are people who’s “lives have been utterly destroyed by this crime, beyond the point of any hope for recovery” (Knight 2). However, using tactics such as the Kony 2012 campaign, we can shine enough light on the issue for more laws to be made against it and for an eventual expiration. Human trafficking is real and just like slavery in the United States, needs to come to an end.

Works Cited

"About." LRA Crisis Tracker. Invisible Children, n.d. Web. 12 Nov. 2012.

            <http://www.lracrisistracker.com/>.

" Davenport-Hines, Richard. The Pursuit of Oblivion: A Global History of Narcotics. 1st    American ed. New York: Norton, 2002. Print.

"Events." Slavery Is Real: Fight Human Trafficking. Slavery Is Real, 2012. Web. 12 Nov. 2012.              <http://www.slaveryisreal.org/>.

Human Trafficking." Def. 1. Merriam-Webster Dictionary. Web. 30 Oct. 2012.      <http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/human trafficking>.

"Human Trafficking in Kentucky." Public Broadcasting Service. PBS. PBS, 10 Feb.

            2010. Video.ket.org. Public Broadcasting Service, 10 Feb. 2010. Web.              <http://video.ket.org/video/1409927026/>.

"Human Trafficking." Polaris Project. Polaris Project, n.d. Web. 01 Nov. 2012.             <http://www.polarisproject.org/human-trafficking/overview>.  

"The Issue." Slavery Is Real: Fight Human Trafficking. Slavery Is Real, 2012. Web. 12 Nov.         2012. <http://www.slaveryisreal.org/>.

Kegley, Josh. "Kentucky.com." Man Sentenced to 15 Years in Federal Sex-trafficking Case.           Lexington Herald-Leader, 25 July 2012. Web. 17 Oct. 2012.

            <http://www.kentucky.com/2012/07/25/2270482/man-sentenced-in-federal-sex-

trafficking.html>.

Kentucky.com, 26 Sept. 2012. Web. 23 Oct. 2012.   <http://www.kentucky.com/2012/09/26/2351739/university-of-kentucky-        student.html>.

           

KONY 2012. YouTube. YouTube, 5 Mar. 2012. Web. 12 Nov. 2012.

            <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y4MnpzG5Sqc>.

Knight, Austin. Personal Interview. 9 November 2012. "Take Action." Slavery Is Real: Fight

            Human Trafficking. Slavery Is Real, 2012. Web. 12 Nov. 2012.

            <http://www.slaveryisreal.org/>.

Michigan Human Trafficking Task Force Video Contest. Dir. Freedvideo. Perf. Katie Lynn

            LaRoche. YouTube. YouTube, 27 Apr. 2011. Web. 12 Nov. 2012.

            <http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RYimh9TVFRs>.

"Victims of Human Trafficking." KY Rescue and Restore. KY Rescue and Restore

            Coalition Partner Agencies, July 2012. Web.

"14 Nations Named Worst Human Trafficking Offenders." Futures

 Without Violence. Futures Without Violence, 24 Nov. 2008. Web.

12 Nov. 2012.

<http://www.futureswithoutviolence.org/content/news/detail/871>.

Further Exploration:

http://www.slaveryisreal.org 

Violence Against Women of the Bluegrass

 Elizabeth Mason

 

                                            Violence Against Women of the Bluegrass
      Have you ever felt threatened or uneasy about your safety at any point in your life? Most
of us can all agree that at one point or another, we have all had some fears about how safe we
were in certain situations. I have felt this several times in my life, in several different places. I
have experienced this feeling in my hometown of Lawrenceburg, Kentucky, and on The
University of Kentucky’s campus. Because I am a female, I feel as if I, and other females, are
more vulnerable and likely to be the victim of violence. A study from the Center for Women and
Children says that one in nine Kentucky women have been forcibly raped in her lifetime. The
same website also states that one in four women will be sexually assaulted on a college campus.
These facts are only a slim portion of the daunting statistics surrounding violence against
women. Each year the crime rates and the severity of the crimes being committed against
women are worsening. The crimes in the state of Kentucky versus the crimes in on The
University of Kentucky’s campus. However why is this number increasing instead of
decreasing? I feel that if more women and students here on campus were educated in the types
of crimes and the astonishing number of crimes that were committed against women here on
campus and in the state of Kentucky every year, the numbers would drop. So to do this we need
more safety and crime educational programs here on campus and throughout the entire state to achieve this goal, and bring the crime rates down in general, but especially the crime rates
against women.

      Domestic Violence is more present than one would think. Just the thought of the person
you share everything with being violent towards you, is very disturbing and scary to think about,
but so many times this is the main type of crime that women have to face day in and day out.
This however, does not only mean that violence is coming from a husband. This could also be a
boyfriend, father, grandfather, uncle, or any other person that the victim knows and trusts. Even
though I have only mentioned male figures, women can also be accounted for in the acts of
domestic violence. This being said, I am focussing on violence between intimate partners,
whether they are married or just dating. Domestic violence does not just include older women, a
study from a poll taken in 1995 by Children Now and Kaiser Permanente states that 40% of girls
age fourteen to seventeen report knowing someone their age who has been hit or beaten by a
boyfriend. If you notice from the age range that is mentioned in this statistic, those girls are still
considered minors, therefore they are technically still children. This age range is showing girls
under the legal adult age of eighteen years old, which could not only be considered domestic
violence, but also child abuse. Another study from the Violence against women, Bureau of
Justice Statistics, U.S. department of Justice from 1997 found that approximately twenty-eight
percent of victims are raped by husbands or boyfriends, thirty-five percent by acquaintances, and
five percent by other relatives. I know that statistic seems a little hard to believe, I mean how
can you be “raped” by your intimate partner? The Kentucky State Police released a statement
about rapes stating that “The 58.33% clearance rate for rape is high when compared with
property crimes and some other offenses. One explanation for the number of rapes cleared is the fact that the victim and the offender are frequently acquainted or even related.” So even though
it seems crazy to think that you could be raped by your own boyfriend or even husband, it in fact
can happen, and based on the facts it does happen quite often. Diane Craven Ph.D from the
Bureau of Justice Statistics Wrote an article titled “Female Victims of Violent Crimes”. Craven
states that “ Women are more likely to be victimized by someone they know than by a stranger”.
Craven has also found that in her research with whom most women have been victimized by she
found that In 1992-93 a majority of women victims (78%) indicated that the offender who
victimized them was a person known to them (sometimes intimately). About 9% of female
victims reported that the offender was a relative; 29%, an intimate (which includes spouse or ex
spouse, boyfriend or girlfriend, and ex-boyfriend or ex-girlfriend); and 40%, an acquaintance.
Twenty-three percent of female victims”.
      Rape is also a crime that is very serious among women. The definition of rape as stated
from The Kentucky State Police is: “Rape is defined as the carnal knowledge of a person,
forcibly or otherwise, against the person’s will. Only forcible rapes are included, together with
assaults for the purpose of rape and attempted forcible rapes. Excluded are rapes where the
victim is under the age of consent and no force is used.” Based on a chart that shows crimes in
Kentucky from 1960 through 2011 the number of rapes that have been reported went from 163 in
1960 to 1,463 in 2011. By looking at the chart, the number of rapes in Kentucky increase every
year, with never a decrease. A study from the FBI crime report was also taken and the results
show that nine out of ten rapes are not even reported. This fact alone is startling because the
number of rapes is already high so just imagine the true amount of rapes that really do happen.
The Kentucky State Police released a statement that helps put the number of rapes in perspective.
“Rape was committed every six hours and fifty three minuets.”. This number of rapes is only the
number of them that is reported, which the number of rapes every year that is not reported could
be three times this number, so how many rapes really happen a day here in Kentucky? Your
guess is as good as mine.
      Robberies and attempted robberies are a pretty big problem here on campus and all over
the state of Kentucky for that matter. The definition of robbery is defined by The Kentucky State
Police as Robbery is the felonious taking of the property of another by force or the threat of force
or violence and/or by putting the victim in fear. All attempts to rob are included. Robberies are
reported in two general categories: armed (any weapon or threatening object is used) and strong-arm
(to include muggings and similar offenses where no weapon is used but strong-arm tactics
are employed).” Whenever there has been an act of violence on campus, the university will
email students with the specific details on what exactly happened. More times than not, it is a
male that has attacked a female and attempted to, or successfully robbed her. I interviewed my
mother who was student herself here at The University of Kentucky, and she had an interesting
experience of her own. “I did have some incidents where I felt scared for my life, but especially
one time in particular. When I was a sophomore, I was approached and robbed by two men one
night. They would have done more in my opinion if I had not complied to their requests and
gave them my back pack and purse.” Being a female this is very alarming and scary. I too have
to walk alone on this campus, and could end up in the wrong place at the wrong time like my
mother did. I asked her to explain in detail a little more of what exactly happened that night and
in that scary encounter. She stated “I was walking home from my boyfriend Tyler’s house,
which was right off of Waller Ave., at around 10 p.m. or so on a normal school night. I was cutting across campus past the Seaton center and of course it was very dark. I heard some leaves
shuffling from behind me, and when I turned around, two tall white males were approaching me
fast I turned around and tried to pick my pace up and pay them no mind. However before I knew
it, one of the men grabbed my shoulder, scaring me to death. He then proceeded to me to hand
over my backpack and purse. I was so scared that I tried to run, but the other one grabbed me by
my backpack and pulled me to the ground. I then just forfeited over my belongings, as I now
feared for my physical safety. Once they had my things, they ran away towards the hospital
through a small parking lot.” When my mother told me this story, it was very disturbing. I had
never heard this story until now, when I am a sophomore in college. This to me symbolizes the
amount of trauma and the toll that being involved in an event like this can take on a person.
Seeing as women are seen as “weak” and “an easy target”, the majority of one on one robberies
throughout the state and here on campus are committed against women. Most men use fear as
there main aspect when robbing a person. This is why I feel women are targeted more than men,
simply because men know that they scare and intimidate a women into doing what he says. The
Kentucky State Police also stated that after all of the research and averaging the numbers of
robberies that happen in the state of Kentucky throughout the year a “Robbery was committed
every two hours and fourteen minutes”.
      Prevention of violence and crimes committed against women is simply affected by the
amount of education one has on the subject and the efforts that they go in order to keep
themselves safe. Here at The University of Kentucky, there are several different programs that
are specifically geared toward general violence, and violence against women as well. These
programs are things such as the Violence and Intervention Prevention Center, also known as the VIP center for short, here on campus. The VIP center is place on campus where students can go
to focus groups to talk about problems, and they also offer many different programs and lectures
on how to keep yourself safe here on campus. It is also not only for women, men can also come
to these events, however they also have certain programs targeting just women here on campus.
These events include self defense courses, healthy dating courses, and other The Center for
Research on Violence Against Women, which is also here on campus. The Center for Research
on Violence against women here at The University of Kentucky is the to me the most useful
resource when it come to this ongoing problem. This center does a lot for not only the
Universities community, but also for the whole state of Kentucky as a community. There
mission for the Center is “The Center for Research on Violence Against Women at the University
of Kentucky is committed to advancing research into the legal and clinical complexities
presented by intimate partner violence, rape, stalking and related experiences for women, and is
dedicated to preventing violence and to enhancing the welfare and safety of those impacted by
violence through research, scholarship and public service.” These two programs help educate
students on ways to help prevent violence and to stay safe.
      In conclusion, violence and other criminal acts are everywhere you look. From it being
in your hometown, on your college campus, or even in your own home. No matter what efforts
are made to stop violence, we will never be able to one hundred percent prevent it from being
present. Women in my eyes are the main targets of violence here in Kentucky and also here on
The University of Kentucky’s campus. I feel that the facts are all that is needed to confirm this
statement. Craven found in her research that “ The race or ethnicity of the female victim is not associated with level of risk.” With this being said, race doesn’t matter, the acts of
violence towards women has no boundaries, every women, no matter their social class, race, or
ethnicity are immune to having and act of violence committed against them. However, one can
help keep them self safe and prevent these acts on themselves by being educated in the right
areas, and by also being aware of ones surroundings. By promoting the programs such as the
VIP center, The Center for Research on Violence Against Women, and The Kentucky Domestic
Violence Association, we can help educate women around Kentucky, and the women here on the
University of Kentucky’s campus, and help lower the overall violence rates among women here
in the bluegrass.

                                                                       Works Cited
Craven, Diane. http://bjs.ojp.usdoj.gov/content/pub/pdf/FVVC.PDF. U.S. Department of Justice.
      1996. Web. 10 November 2012
Mason, Lora. Personal Interview. 6 Nov. 2012
Unknown Author. http://www.kentuckystatepolice.org/pdf/cr3.pdf. Kentucky State Police. Web.
      6 November 2012.
Unknown Author. http://www.uky.edu/StudentAffairs/VIPCenter/. University Of Kentucky
      Violence Intervention and Prevention Center. Web. 13 November 2012
Unknown author. http://www.kdva.org/. Kentucky Domestic Violence Association. Web. 9
      November 2012
Unknown author. http://www.disastercenter.com/crime/kycrime.htm Kentucky Law Enforcement
      Agency uniform crime reports. Web. 2005. 31 October 2012
Unknown Author. http://www.uky.edu/CRVAW/index.htm. Center for the Research on Violence
     Against Women. Web. 12 November 2012.
Unknown Author. http://www.safercampus.org/?gclid=CLrmrLfdzLMCFZGPPAodX08Adw.
    Students Active for Ending Rape. Web. 13 November.

Further Exploration:

http://www.kentuckystatepolice.org/pdf/cr3.pdf. 

Every Child Matters

Emma Richards

Every Child Matters

Rolling hills of blue grass, the delicious smell of Kentucky Fried Chicken and the excitement of fireworks lighting the night sky. These are just a few aspects of Kentucky that make the commonwealth a great place to live. However, hidden under these magnificent and delicious characteristics are shocking statistics, ones that threaten the innocent children of the state and show no signs of improvement. Kentucky has the highest child abuse rates in the United States, yet we never really hear about the shocking statistics the state has looming overhead. Children deserve better, they deserve help. Child abuse in Kentucky is a serious issue, one that must be more publically emphasized and corrected through increased funding and resources.

Different people have different definitions of child abuse, which leads to uncertainty and confusion. According to Laws.com, child abuse is the mistreatment or neglect of a child, which typically includes a violation of that child’s rights and entitled freedoms. These rights and freedoms state that children must be provided with sufficient food, water and shelter; are entitled to participate – and have access to – community programs and educational facilities allowing them the opportunities for learning and information; and are required to be free from exploitation, harm and danger (Child Abuse Laws). Spanking is just one form of punishment that people disagree on. In 2008, Barry Barnet, a father of nine children and minister at the Lighthouse Family Ministries in Poynette, Wisconsin was charged for abuse after paddling his son for lying. The punishment left minor bruising and the boy said it ‘“hurt a little,”’ but the emergency room he was examined at said that “he was in no pain,” (Belkin). In my opinion Barnet’s behavior alone falls under the category of abuse because of the bruising his son experienced, but I believe more than just the simple act of paddling his son should be examined. After significant research on the Burnet case, it is unlikely that physical punishment would ever escalate to a point of severity where it is clear that he is abusing his child, and, therefore, Barnet should not be convicted of child abuse. Ultimately, the case was dismissed because of indecision and the unlikely event that the father would be convicted. In the United States, spanking and paddling a child is legal. However, many people consider this form of punishment as child abuse. Abuse within the grey area of varying definitions often goes unreported, and in some cases this leaves the child subject to increased abuse and suffering. Perhaps this is the root of the problem. However, without strict child abuse laws, many abusers often fall under the radar of the justice system and, in turn, more children are left with abusive parents.

Child abuse is not just physical, but psychological as well. People often forget about this form of abuse when thinking of child abuse, even though it is often more damaging because “psychological abuse, unlike physical abuse, leaves no visible scars or bruises, making it harder to detect,” (What Is Psychological Abuse?). Psychological abuse includes accusing, isolating, degrading, ridiculing and harassing. An article entitled Psychological Child Abuse says, “if these behaviors are chronic and consistent, and impair a child's self-worth, they more than likely constitute psychological abuse.” Not only is it difficult to diagnose psychological abuse because it is often unseen and unheard, but also because the effects that the abuse has on the child are more often than not confused with other factors. For example, a child’s shy and scared demeanor may be attributed to an introverted personality, when really the child is timid because of continuous emotional and mental abuse. An article published by the New York Times says that symptoms of psychological abuse include difficulties in school, eating disorders, low self-esteem, and rebellious behavior. While indicators of child abuse, these issues can easily be attributed to other sources.

In an interview, Andrea Willett, a former social worker in Kentucky, said that it was often difficult to draw the line between abuse and punishment, whether it is physical or mental. One report accused a mother of child abuse for punishing her child by putting soap in her mouth. Mrs. Willet said she thought this was ridiculous and wasted time that could be spent on a more serious case. However, there is a law in Kentucky that states only food products can be used for oral punishment, which means that if the mother had used hot sauce she would not have had to stand trial for child abuse. Many believe that hot sauce is worse than soap. Soap has a horrible taste, but hot sauce actually burns the child’s tongue. This particular case goes to show how some laws may actually hurt the issue of child abuse. The time Mrs. Willett spent on this case could have been spent removing a child from a dangerous household.

Another principle Mrs. Willett said sometimes hinders social worker’s ability to remove children from harmful situations is the justice systems push to reunite children with parents. In many cases, she said this leads to children being reunited with parents who continue to abuse the child. For example, Mrs. Willett described a case involving a five-year-old girl who admitted that her father hurt her from time to time. Mrs. Willett said she did everything she could to convince the judge that this little girl needed to be removed from her father’s custody, but in the end, the judge decided otherwise. A few months later, the father was again reported for child abuse, and finally the girl was removed from her father’s care. Mrs. Willett said that some parents know enough about the justice system to avoid conviction and regain custody. This allows abuse to continue and often escalate. In many ways reuniting parents can be a positive thing, but in other cases it can lead to further harm and more time spent reinvestigating the same family. If the justice system did not push so hard to reunite parent and child that they ignored many warning signs, children would be saved and social workers would have more time to investigate other cases.

In Kentucky, 4.08 in 100,000 children die from child abuse or maltreatment each year (Interactive Map: U.S. Rates Of Child Abuse Fatalities). This is just 0.69 less than the national statistic and is the highest among all fifty states. As a state, these statistics are not publicized enough, for if people knew the severity of this issue, they would feel empowered to help the young and innocent. In 2008, 74,159 children were reported as abused or neglected, 14,802 of these children were confirmed as victims of abuse or neglect and 30 children died as the result of child abuse and neglect during the 2008 calendar year (Kentucky Child Abuse and Neglect Statistics). As the chart above illustrates, neglect and physical abuse constitute the majority of reports in Kentucky. Neglect refers to a parent’s failure to provide basic physical health care, supervision, nutrition, emotional nurturing, education or safe housing. However, there is a difference between intentionally withholding care to a child and not being able to provide care. Poverty plays a major role. This means that before deeming behavior neglectful, social workers must examine circumstances and intentionality. Why are rates of child abuse and neglect in Kentucky so much higher than other states?

Perhaps the biggest reason Kentucky has the highest rates of child abuse is because of the lack of resources social working establishments and other organizations committed to helping children have to work with. Thomas McAdam of examiner.com reports that “caseloads for social workers have increased 8 percent since 2008 while staffing levels have dropped by 12 percent in the same time period.” With so few social workers, it is no wonder that child abuse cases are over looked and potentially dangerous situations go unrecognized. Shockingly, supervisors of social working establishments in Louisville, Kentucky are pulling workers with little experience from other areas to investigate reports so they can meet timelines established in state regulations — one hour for an emergency, where a child's life is believed to be in danger, and 12 to 48 hours for non-emergencies (Yetter). This is reckless and unfair to children who have no way of escaping abuse and neglect. Inexperienced or overworked workers likely miss the smaller, less evident indicators of abuse. No wonder Kentucky has the highest child abuse rates in the United States.

Another reason why child abuse in Kentucky is so high may be because of the vicious cycle parents and children get caught in. This cycle of abuse begins when a parent cannot elicit a desired behavior or cannot get rid of an undesired behavior. This inability to create a certain outcome makes the parent angry and more likely to use physical force. According to studies conducted by Kadushan and Martin [1981], in 87 percent of cases involving child abuse, the parent’s first response to the child’s misbehavior was nonphysical; however, abuse occurred after the parent’s initial intervention was ineffective. Once child abuse starts, it often escalates to more severe levels. In turn, this increases the likelihood that the abused child will one day grow up to be an abusive parent. According to Mrs. Willett, children who experience child abuse do not get the chance to experience what good parenting is like. “Abuse is all they have seen, so it is all they know,” she said. Applying the effects of this cycle to Kentucky may explain why efforts to stop child abuse have not been as successful as officials would like. Kentucky has the highest rate of child abuse, meaning there are more parents starting this cycle of abuse and more children growing up continuing the cycle. In order to stop child abuse, adults should be taught effective ways to discipline a child – ones that will be successful in altering undesirable behavior so that situations do not escalate to physical or mental abuse.

Now that we know contributing factors to high rates of child abuse, let’s discuss solutions to the problem. First, the severity of child abuse must be publicized. If people are kept in the dark about the statistics surrounding this issue, people will continue to do nothing. However, if mass campaigns are organized to fight child abuse, ones that reveal statistics and create a strong call to action, people will begin talking about the issue. The more people talk, the more these issues find their way into the policy agendas of influential political figures. Politicians follow their constituency; it is how they get elected. Therefore, if the public calls for more funding and stricter child abuse laws, politicians will fight for the cause – that’s what will get them elected or reelected. For example, Jason Russell, the director of the Kony 2012 video, got the attention of countless politicians and governmental authority figures by creating a nation-wide uproar with a simple thirty minute video that was packed with pathos and featured a strong call to action. The internet provides a quick way of publicizing any topic. Through the web, child abuse can be exposed, making the issue a hot topic.

In addition to utilizing modern technology, increased funding and resources to organizations that fight for children’s well-being will help lower rates of child abuse. Where is this funding going to come from? Tom LaMarra of the Blood-Horse Magazine reports that “more than 15 million dollars for horse industry-related projects and financial relief [was] included in the 2006-07 budget approved April 11 by the Kentucky General Assembly.” The state of Kentucky needs to get their priorities straight. If some money budgeted to horseracing was appropriated to social work and child prevention centers, imagine the good that could be done. Image the lives that could be saved. In order to help the children of Kentucky, a small portion of money budgeted to recreational hobbies should be better used. With more money, organizations can hire more people that can be sent to schools, churches and other establishments to educate the public about child abuse and to get more people involved. More money and resources mean further outreach, a better educated public, and more people to fight for the children of Kentucky. With more funding and resources, organizations can further their prevention programs, training programs and better reach out to the public.

Once the public is aware of the issue and resources increase, training programs must be established in order to educate teachers and other people working with children about the warning signs of child abuse. If teachers could more effectively spot cases of potential abuse and can communicate with these children about issues at home, child abuse can be caught before it escalates to the point of serious injury or death. Kids First Incorporated reports that children often tell a trusted adult about abuse rather than parents or legal guardians. This source also states that children tend to shut down if they receive a negative or overly emotional response when telling someone about abuse. Therefore, training programs educating teachers to effectively recognize abuse, communicate with children and create positive relationships with students can help prevent child abuse. In order to do this resources are needed, both people and money. The money could come from the portion of the budgeted funds given to recreational activities such as horseracing, and this money could be used to pay individuals in Kentucky who are currently out of a job and interested in helping children. These new employs could be sent to schools and organizations to raise awareness about the seriousness of child abuse. This poses a win-win situation. Those in desperate need of a job can find relief from economic pressure, child abuse awareness will increase, and in turn, children in dismal situations will be helped.

It’s clear that Kentucky is facing a very serious issue – one that must be stopped. The innocent children of the state deserve to live in loving, comforting and encouraging homes, not in homes filled with fear and suffering.  Measures must be taken to secure the well-being of the little ones in the commonwealth. Through increased public awareness and funding, the state of Kentucky can fight for its children and stop the detrimental cycle of child abuse. Cooperation of the citizen of Kentucky, public officials, law enforcement, social working establishments and nonprofit organizations can bring much needed change to the state. Each person has the power to help a child; each person has the power to make a difference. Will you continue to ignore the facts about child abuse, or will you stand up for the innocent and refuse to let this issue escalate? It is your choice, make it wisely.

Works Cited

"7 Ways to Prevent Child Abuse — Kids First Child Abuse Treatment and Prevention Center." Welcome! — Kids First Child Abuse Treatment and Prevention Center. N.p., n.d. Web. 29 Oct. 2012. <http://www.kidsfirstinc.org/preventing-abuse>.

Belkin, Lisa. "When Is Spanking Child Abuse? - NYTimes.com." Parenting, Children and Parents - Motherlode Blog - NYTimes.com. N.p., 21 Oct. 2008. Web. 28 Oct. 2012. <http://parenting.blogs.nytimes.com/2008/10/21/when-is-spanking-child-abuse/>.

"Child Abuse Laws." Child Abuse- Child Abuse Laws, Child Abuse Statistics, Child Abuse Stories. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Oct. 2012. <http://child-abuse.laws.com/child-abuse-laws>.

"Child Neglect and Psychological Abuse - Symptoms, Diagnosis, Treatment of Child Neglect and Psychological Abuse - NY Times Health Information ." Health News - The New York Times. N.p., 2 Nov. 2010. Web. 10 Nov. 2012. <http://health.nytimes.com/health/guides/disease/child-neglect-and-psychological-abuse/overview.html>.

"Interactive Map: U.S. Rates Of Child Abuse Fatalities : NPR." NPR : National Public Radio : News & Analysis, World, US, Music & Arts : NPR. N.p., 2 Mar. 2012. Web. 7 Nov. 2012. <http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123891714>.

"Kentucky Child Abuse and Neglect Statistics." pcaky.org. N.p., n.d. Web. 28 Oct. 2012. <www.pcaky.org/images/files/Kentucky%20Child%20Abuse%20and%20.>

LaMarra, Tom. " Kentucky Budget Includes $15M for Horse Industry | BloodHorse.com." BloodHorse.com | Thoroughbred Horse Racing, Breeding, and Sales: News, Data, Analysis, Photos, Video, Blogs. N.p., 13 Apr. 2006. Web. 2 Nov. 2012. <http://www.bloodhorse.com/horse-racing/articles/32995/kentucky-budget-includes-15m-for-horse-industry>.

Kadushan and Martin. "Long-Term Consequences of Childhood Physical Abuse." digitalcommons.unl.edu. University of Nebraska, n.d. Web. 29 Oct. 2012. <digitalcommons.unl.edu/cgi/viewcontent.cgi?article=1098&context=psychfacpub>.

McAdam, Thomas. "Kentucky governor says budget cuts will be painful - Louisville CIty Hall | Examiner.com." Welcome to Examiner.com | Examiner.com. N.p., 17 Jan. 2012. Web. 28 Oct. 2012. <http://www.examiner.com/article/kentucky-governor-says-budget-cuts-will-be-painful>.

"Psychological Child Abuse" Avvo.com - Expert Advice When You Need It Most. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2012. <http://www.avvo.com/legal-guides/psychological-child-abuse>.

"What Is Psychological Abuse?." Upload & Share PowerPoint presentations and documents. N.p., n.d. Web. 30 Oct. 2012. <http://www.slideshare.net/k_dorothy/what-is-psychological-abuse>.

Willet, Andrea. Personal Interview. 6 Nov. 2012

Yetter, Deborah. "As allegation rate rises, advocates fear Kentucky is missing some abuse." courier-journal.com. N.p., 10 Dec. 2009. Web. 28 Oct. 2012. <www.courier-journal.com/article/20091214/NEWS01/912140301/As-allegation-rate-rises-advocates-fear-Kentucky-missing-some-abuse>.

Further Exploration:

http://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=123891714

http://www.examiner.com/article/kentucky-governor-says-budget-cuts-will-be-painful