Let’s Stop Sex Trafficking Right Here at Home

The recent publication of Nicholas D. Kristof’s and Sheryl WuDunn’s book, “Half the Sky: Turning Oppression Into Opportunity for Women Worldwide,” brings much-needed attention to the sexual trafficking of women and girls in poor and developing countries.

Raising awareness of this damaging and deadly industry, as well as greater action on the behalf of these women and girls, is long overdue. International sex trade is financed by the pain of those who often come from difficult or desperate circumstances, women who are then thrust into unimaginably cruel conditions.

But as we think and act globally on the issue of sexual trafficking and exploitation, we must also act locally.

Chicago, one of the major homes to sexual trafficking in the United States, is a good place to start.