Domestic Slavery

In one of my class we just took a look at some of the 'domestic work' organizations that offer jobs to foreign citizens, such as ones located at the following websites:
http://www.hawthornedomestics.com/
http://www.dpnonline.com/

After looking at these websites, did you notice the different ways they try to lure in workers who are striving for a Westernized dream? Now check out the facts:
http://www.hrw.org/reports/2001/usadom/

"In the case of V.G., a Sri Lankan domestic worker employed from August 28, 1992 through December 17, 1992 by a Kuwaiti national studying at Boston University, the U.S. First Circuit Court of Appeals found, "During the four months she remained in the apartment, V.G. was assaulted twice. On one occasion, when V.G. asked that the volume be turned down on the television while she was trying to sleep, appellant grabbed and threw her bodily against the wall. On another occasion, Abair Alzanki (the employer) slapped V.G. and spat in her face when she failed to turn off a monitor."⁵⁰ According to the court, on these two occasions, V.G. was "contemporaneously informed that the assaults' purpose was to keep her `in her place.'"⁵¹ The court also found that, "on another occasion, Abair Alzanki threatened to sew up V.G.'s mouth with a needle and thread, and throw her into the ocean."⁵²

Similarly, Tseheye Assefa, an Ethiopian domestic worker employed from February 1990 through June 1992 by an African senior research officer with the International Monetary Fund (IMF), alleged in her civil complaint, "Approximately one year after her arrival in the United States, she became emotionally distraught regarding her situation and was homesick and was crying. Her employer inquired as to why she was crying and proceeded to beat her for crying."⁵³

On one hand, I thought is was fantastic that we were discussing these things in a class. On the other hand, it's horrifying how carefully masked these organization are that sell women, men, and children into slavery

Child Abuse

Randi (a 5 year old) was, by then, sad and desperate, relatives say. She ran into the middle of the street and almost got hit by a limousine. Mr. Murray said she was screaming, "I want to get hit. I want to die."

"So I grabbed her and I smacked her," he said.

Randi sidled up to her invalid grandmother, Johnnie Mae Burton, one afternoon. Ms. Burton remembers the child saying, "Grandma, I love you. I wish somebody loved me."

The Whole Story

Just read it and wanted to share. People make me sad :(

CCAT MOVIE NIGHT: Trade

Campus Coalition Against Trafficking (CCAT) will be screening its first movie of the year!

WHEN: next Wednesday, October 8th at 7pm
WHERE: Swain East 140
WHAT: We will be showing the movie Trade, starring Kevin Kline, which brings light to the issue of human trafficking--sex trafficking, specifically--in the United States. Come see Trade and witness the global impact of this horrific criminal industry that translates as modern day slavery. To learn more about the movie, visit: http://www.tradethemovie.com/

WHY: Human trafficking is estimated to make roughly $10 billion/year. It is the fastest growing criminal industry that may have anywhere from 600,000 to over 2 million victims a year. These statistics may mean little to you, so come see Trade and witness scenes that will put faces to numbers. It's a great introduction to human trafficking and CCAT Movie Night is a great avenue to meet people who are passionate about such an important issue. Snacks and refreshments will also be provided!

HOW DO I JOIN?
Join CCAT by subscribing to our listserv (email: ccat@indiana.edu) and/or joining our Facebook group: Campus Coalition Against Trafficking-Indiana Chapter.

HOW DO I GET INVOLVED?
*Come to our MEETINGS! They are held every Wednesday at 7pm in Ballantine Hall 011.
*Read our BLOG! The blog is an easy avenue to communicate our thoughts, news, upcoming events, and anything pertaining to the issue of human trafficking. Feel free to post comments, suggestions, and ideas. If you would like to post something on the blog, send links and other content to sgattu@indiana.edu with the subject of "CCAT Blog." To access our blog, visit: http://iubccat.blogspot.com/
*Contribute money! Look for our donation jars in these local Bloomington restaurants: Bombay House, Mandalay, Soma, and Bloomington Sandwich Co.

AGAIN: The screening of Trade is NEXT Wednesday at SE140 at 7pm! Drinks and snacks provided!!!

Hope to see you there!

Campus Coalition Against Trafficking
IU Chapter
ccat@indiana.edu

Ending Slavery: Kevin Bales

Dr. Bales is the president of Free the Slaves and is one of the leading experts on the issue of human trafficking. It was suggested recently by graduate student, Jenny Davis, that we bring Dr. Bales to speak at IU. I think there are a number of occasions that we can invite him to, but I think it best to wait until the Spring semester and either have him speak at an event such as a concert or a lecture panel that would have him speak alongside other interested professors. Also, I think it would be better if it were a joint effort that brought together many student organizations that are related to human rights, and even otherwise. I will put up a poll on the blog to see how many people are interested in bringing Dr. Bales to IU, but please post comments, questions, or ideas if you have any!

Visit Freetheslaves.net for more information on Dr. Bales and his organization!