Leaders convened at For the Silent headquarters in Tyler to discuss collaborative efforts to combat human sex trafficking in East Texas communities. (Cause Creative Group)

As technology has transformed, so have the methods traffickers use to recruit youth. Leaders convened at For the Silent headquarters in Tyler to discuss collaborative efforts to combat human sex trafficking in East Texas communities.

“It was so great just to have all of these agency representatives and individuals of such high caliber come together and discuss from their unique vantage point,” said Becky Cunio, For the Silent executive director.

U.S. Congressman Nathaniel Moran, alongside representatives from judicial and law enforcement agencies, engaged in discussions Friday about their needs and avenues for increased support as they work collectively to combat human trafficking.

For the Silent is a nonprofit organization dedicated to protecting young people from sex trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. It offers services through prevention, crisis intervention and community transformation.

“When we recognize that there is evil in this world, it’s our duty, it’s our responsibility to step forward and to right that wrong. and for the silent is doing that,” Moran said. “In a moment of crisis in our lives, they’re giving them hope and giving them a future.”

Cunio said recent local arrests mark the beginning of what is expected to be an ongoing effort to address these crimes. The community will likely notice increased activity as law enforcement intensifies its pursuit of those responsible.

A Tyler man and woman were arrested on Aug. 2 for a first-degree felony charge related to child trafficking. For the Silent, along with the Children’s Advocacy Center of Smith County, provided resources and assistance during the investigation.

This uptick in enforcement is not a cause for alarm but rather a source of hope and inspiration, demonstrating that combating these crimes is now a top priority for law enforcement.

Human trafficking, a $32 billion industry, is the fastest-growing criminal enterprise, trailing only behind drug and arms trafficking, Cunio said. Unlike drugs and weapons, which can be sold just once, individuals can be exploited repeatedly.

Communities must come together and support organizations on the front lines to address this crisis effectively.

While completely eradicating trafficking globally may be a difficult goal, Cunio said there is a strong belief that it is possible to eliminate it from Smith County, and that remains a dedicated goal for all involved.

Empowering young people with the tools, education and resources they need is crucial. By informing them about whom to turn to in difficult situations or relationships, we can ensure that adults can help them navigate these challenges safely.

“The internet has now become the number one marketplace where predators are recruiting and assessing their victims,” Cunio said. “The takeaway is for parents or any adult who is connected to a young person. It is absolutely crucial that we start having hard conversations before we turn young people loose with devices.”

Any device with internet connectivity effectively exposes young people to strangers and potential predators.

“We are now opening the front door and allowing strangers into our home.,” Cunio said.

Given these risks, the organization must receive robust community support and funding to provide the necessary tools and resources to safeguard young people effectively.

Cunio said the organization is 85% funded by local community support. People can support For the Silent by donating or volunteering their talents and skills.

“Our doors are open, and dependent upon that funding continuing, we feel like the community is very much a part of all that we do every day,” Cunio said. “Without that support, we wouldn’t be able to pay salaries and rent and all of the overhead that comes along with just showing up and focusing on this issue every day. “