Friday, January 27th marked the recognition of "Human Trafficking Awareness Day" in Chico. It's to rally support to help abolish slavery and fight the trafficking of humans.
One of the participants was a man who travels the world, helping to rescue girls and children sold into prostitution. Aaron cohen says human trafficking is also a problem that happens here.
He was in the music business with the band "Jane's Addiction" and he was a heroin addict, before he transformed himself into a champion of children and women forced to work or have sex under threat of violence.
Cohen is described as a humanitarian. He fights the trafficking of humans internationally, and here at home. He works with the "Abolish Slavery Coalition" and authorities to visit brothels and make contact with victims who need rescuing. Often they are children sold into slavery, which he calls "The Holocaust of Our Generation."
Cohen told Action News Reporter Linda Watkins-Bennett in an interview today that slavery is the fastest growing illegal business in the world, "Some say 27 million others 30 million. One million children are transported across borders every year. It's unbelievable."
Cohen says it's being made worse by internet globalization and pornography, "we're seeing an entirely new generation of predators bred from this internet boom."
Cohen met with local law enforcement Friday about their efforts to fight prostitution...a crime he says is far from victimless, "Most women enter it between 12 and 14 years old, and after beat downs and drug addictions, what other choices do they have?"
When asked what the average person can do to get involved and make a difference, Cohen replied, "We can be connected in a way where we attack the demand for slavery to protect victims, prosecute offenders and prevent this crime from growing in Chico."
Cohen gave a presentation at St. Augustine's Church in Chico Friday evening, followed by a the "abolitionist" Benefit Concert at "Lost on Main."
To find out more about the local task force forming in support of the "Abolish Slavery Coalition" visit www.info@abolishslavery.org. ####
