The case of Saudi Princess Meshael Alayban, accused of human trafficking in the U.S., has caused a stir throughout the world. But do you know how the story was uncovered? A few weeks ago, the victim, identified as 'Jane Doe,' escaped Alayban’s home where she alleges she was forced to work 16 hours a day, 7 days a week; her passport held by Alayban to prevent escape. Jane Doe then flagged down a bus, explained her situation to another passenger who helped her phone police. When the police went to investigate, they found four other women at the home claiming to be in the same situation.
Modern slavery is a crime that survives hidden from the view of the public, but occasionally, it’s there, right in front of us. It could happen overtly – a woman escaping a home in which she was trapped or a boy summoning the courage to trust a stranger – or a more subtle scene in an airport where something just doesn't look right. The bottom line is, at any moment, a person trapped in the nightmare of modern slavery could be trying to get our attention and we all need to be ready to help. Hours ago, Princess Alayban was supposed to face charges of human trafficking in a California court but didn't show up. Annoyed, the judge moved her court date.
Already, the media is focused on the case and its possible outcomes. But one person is getting less coverage – the passenger on the bus that connected ‘Jane Doe’ to the help she needed. Awareness of telltale signs and potential situations of modern slavery is something everyone should have – how amazing would it be if everyone could recognise a potential case of modern slavery, and know what to do to speak up?
When I read that, I felt like this was one of the biggest problems brought to my attention. I felt like I should get off my lazy butt, run to where this "Jane Doe" lady is currently at, ask her questions about what she went through and then bust out any other slaves! But I can't. I'm disabled and low on money. Despite that, I am not giving up. I can still do something, and so can YOU! Click the links below to help, please!
Send a message of solidarity that we all stand with the passenger on the bus who took action to protect another by ensuring millions of people know how to spot a problem AND what to do.
Click here to SHARE important tips for how to recognise a potential modern slavery problem with everyone you know on Facebook.
Thank you,
- Oniell Ford.
