MDRT Members Confront The Realities Of Human Trafficking

PARK RIDGE, Ill. — Human trafficking and slavery is a global issue, with an estimated 20 - 40 million people impacted across 136 countries today.The Exodus Road, an international nonprofit organization, has aided in the rescue of more than 900 victims with its initiatives to prevent and intervene in human trafficking, and to facilitate survivor care. To combat trafficking in local communities around the globe, The MDRT Foundation is partnering with The Exodus Road to raise funds and equip its members with the skills necessary to recognize signs of human trafficking and take action to support rescue.

On June 25, more than 15,000 members from 67 countries had the opportunity to participate in the MDRT Foundation Forum: Operation TraffickWatch™ during MDRT’s 2018 Annual Meeting. During the event, Matt Parker, CEO of The Exodus Road, trained members to recognize signs of human trafficking and report suspicious activity.

Human trafficking generates an estimated $150 billion in illegal profits each year and is the second largest criminal industry in the world. Fifty-eight percent of those living in modern slavery are located in India, China, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Uzbekistan. While this is a global issue, there are an estimated 57,700 victims in the U.S. alone with the most reported cases in California, Texas, Florida, Ohio and New York.

“Many people do not understand the realities of human trafficking within their own neighborhoods or realize its global prominence,” said Marc Silverman MDRT Foundation President. “We hope to make a lasting, global impact in the counter-human trafficking movement with 67 countries represented amongst our attendees who will walk away with the knowledge and tangible strategies to implement in their local communities.”

The MDRT Foundation pledged to give 50 percent of members’ total donations during the annual meeting to The Exodus Road. Throughout the four-day meeting, members will also learn more about the MDRT Foundation and how to apply for the Foundation’s grant program. In the more than 60 years since the MDRT Foundation was established, $32 million has been donated in grants to organizations located throughout all 50 states and 70 countries.

In 2012, The Exodus Road was founded on the belief that justice is in the hands of ordinary people. To date, their efforts have resulted in 927 human trafficking victims rescued, 398 offenders arrested, 63 active operatives and operations in four countries with due diligence being done for future work in several more. The Exodus Road deploys undercover operatives who are volunteer, contract or partner organization investigators to collaborate with local law enforcement to free trafficking victims and arrest offenders. Donations help sponsor investigations, search and rescue operations, training initiatives and fund projects to facilitate quality survivor aftercare.