More education needed on human trafficking

I appreciate the April 16 article 'Iowa's human trafficking now ‘worse than we imagined.' ”

It is disgusting to know that Iowa's laws are charging drug offenders with heftier sentences than those selling humans into absolute subservience while causing intense emotional and physical and sexual damage. While I appreciate that Iowa's laws are getting tougher on traffickers, it is nowhere near fixing the problem that goes international - the problem of supply and demand for free labor and cheap sex.

Increased education on this topic is imperative. The truth is that the survivors are blamed and most traffickers get away with their crimes. Too many people stand by and do nothing when they see something such as this happening. Too many people believe the myths. People hear the stories of survivors and believe that survivors made poor choices; that 'they wanted to be treated that way or they would have found a way out,” but that's not how it works. The mental abuse alone is devastatingly harsh and is known to cause years of problems. Would it only be real if it happened to you or someone you care about?

Another truth: It is happening in Iowa. Sex trafficking at places such as truck stops, major ball games and motels, while labor trafficking could be the maid at your hotel or the farmhands in the middle of an Iowa field. Keep your eyes open and educate yourself on this modern-day slavery. You might save someone's life.

Katherine Sopher

North Liberty