Jerome Elam 7-11-2014 Interview on the Stop Child Abuse Radio Show with Host Bill Murray

 Jerome Elam 7-11-2014 Interview on the Stop Child Abuse Radio Show with Host Bill Murray

 

Tonight's special guest is Jerome Elam, a returning NAASCA family member who's a child abuse survivor and writer for Communities Digital News. Mr Elam says, "I have struggled against many things in my life including childhood sexual abuse and somehow I found a way to survive." He recently related how, as a defenseless child, only 5-years-old, a relative forced him to be a sex slave in Florida. "I was a child desperate for affection. The relative who was a predator took advantage of that, and basically coerced me into trafficking using drugs and alcohol and threats of violence," recounted Elam. He was also coerced into child pornography. To outsiders though, he says he appeared to be a normal child. He even attended school. Raised in the South, he joined the United States Marine Corps at the age of seventeen and spent the next eight years seeing the world. After his enlistment was finished he attended college and graduated to work in the Biotechnology sector. Jerome continues, "Writing is my passion and it keeps me in touch with the wealth everyone holds deep inside their hearts and minds." At NAASCA, Jerome is easily one of our favorite journalists who writes on the topics of child abuse and trauma, and we feature his articles regularly on our web site. His work for Communities Digital News is always to the point, and he frequently takes advantage of the opportunity to explain the shocking statistics pertaining to the material in his articles. NAASCA is delighted to include Jerome Elam as a card-carrying member of the NAASCA family!

Click the link below to listen to my interview with Bill Murray:
http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bill-murray/2014/07/12/stop-child-abuse-now-scan--875

How To Identify A Human Trafficking Victim

•     Seems anxious, fearful or paranoid.  Avoids eye contact.
•    Tearfulness or signs of depression.
•    Unexplained bruises or cuts or other signs of physical abuse.
•    Appears to be in a relationship with someone who is dominating.
•    Never is alone and/or always has someone translating or answering questions on their behalf.
•    Not in control of their own finances.
•    Presents with secrecy or unable to answer questions about where they live.
•    Inconsistent details when telling their story.
•    Has no identification such as a license, passport or other ID documents.
    Inability to leave their job or residence.  Says they cannot schedule appointments.
    Being a recent arrival to the United States and does not speak English.
    Is under 18 and providing commercial sex acts.  Or at any age unwillingly providing commercial sex acts.
    Is afraid of law enforcement or receiving help from an outside entity.

If you can find an opportunity to get he/she alone, ask him/her the following screening questions:
     Can you leave your job or house when you want?
    Where did you get those bruises or is anyone hurting you?
    Do you get paid for your employment?  Is it fair?  How many hours do you work?
    (If foreign national) How did you get to the U.S. and is it what you expected?  Are you being forced to do anything you don't want to do?
    Are you or your family being threatened?
    Do you live with or near your employer?  Does your employer provide you housing?  Are there locks on doors or windows from outside?
    Do you owe debt to anyone?

If you suspect they are a victim of human trafficking,take the following actions:
    Ask the person if you can help them find a safe place to go immediately.
     If they need time, create an action plan with them to get to a safe place when they are ready.
     Call and make a report to the human trafficking hotline at 1.888.3737.888.  The hotline has language capabilities, so any individual can call directly if they choose.

The Department of Homeland Security online training about how to spot the signs of and report suspected human trafficking:

The Department of Homeland Security's Blue Campaign is now offering online training about how to spot the signs of and report suspected human trafficking. The training is aimed at the general public, the Federal workforce, first responders, and airline employees and focuses on:
    •    Defining human trafficking
    •    Differentiating between human trafficking and human smuggling
    •    Recognizing populations vulnerable to human trafficking
    •    Recognizing indicators of human trafficking   
A glossary and additional resources also are provided. View the Human Trafficking Awareness Training on the Department of Homeland Security's website:
http://www.dhs.gov/xlibrary/training/dhs_awareness_training_fy12/launchPage.htm


Jerome Elam
Staff Writer and Columnist for Communities Digital News http://www.commdiginews.com
Read my column here:
A Heart Without Compromise; Advocating for Children:
http://www.commdiginews.com/column/a-heart-without-compromise-advocating-for-children-2/  


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"The world is a dangerous place, not because of those who do evil, but because of those who look on and do nothing." - Albert Einstein

Always remember that you are never alone and that others have walked the healing path before you and are here to lift you up! Also remember that as survivors and victims, alone we may be strong but together we are unbeatable!

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