Human Trafficking: Teaching & Finding Solutions

Marilyn McGoldrick, CSJ

Above: Marilyn McGoldrick, CSJ, with students from Boston College discussing human trafficking.

In the face of a monster that convinces the victim that they are, in fact, to blame, how on earth do we begin to combat human trafficking? We begin with education. “Spreading the word” isn’t enough. To change the future stories of millions of women, men, and children, we must begin by shaking the stigma, and learning of how we are complicit in this organized crime as consumers of cheap clothing and other “shockingly” inexpensive goods.

I’ve worked alongside Jeanmarie Gribaudo, CSJ, for approximately three years teaching students from Boston College about human trafficking, and each time I meet with a new group, new possibilities arise. For instance, one student in this current group is developing a new program for EMTs so that these healthcare workers will be able to recognize the signs of human trafficking and potentially intercept.

If we’re going to change the reality of human trafficking and how it takes not only the bodies, but the dignity and perceived humanity of thousands of people in America — and millions worldwide — it’s going to require new approaches, and some of those solutions could be found right here, in Brighton Massachusetts.