Sub Rosa means “under the rose” in New Latin. Since ancient times, the rose has been associated with secrecy. Merriam-Webster Dictionary

When I look at what’s happening in our world today, I see many things that are cause for concern…wars, natural disasters, famine, and disease. All of these problems capture my attention, but the things I am most concerned about are the things that are happening sub rosa. In other words, they do not appear on the surface of society, but they are taking place in secret, unbeknownst to most of us.

Take the dark net, for example. If we knew the things, i.e., weapons, deadly drugs, and people that are being marketed, we would be aghast and unable to sleep at night. My greatest concern is for the people, the living souls, who are being bought and sold. Yes, it is human trafficking that grabs my attention the most.

Human trafficking is happening in most communities in this country. And yet, the only people who know about it directly are the people involved and the police who are trying to put a stop to it. Why, you ask? Because it is happening sub rosa, in secret, under the radar.

What is human trafficking exactly? Oxford Languages defines it as, “the unlawful act of transporting or coercing people in order to benefit from their work or service, typically in the form of forced labor or sexual exploitation.” Most people think that it is not happening in their communities, but it is everywhere. Last week in our community, in one of the most affluent suburbs, three people were arrested for human trafficking and prostitution.

The statistics are staggering. In Texas alone, it is estimated that 313,000 people are being trafficked with 79,000 of the victims being minors involved in sex trafficking. My concern is that many of these minors crossed the border looking for a better life but instead were forced into a life of sexual servitude. This is a huge problem, especially in the states that share a border with Mexico.

Is there anything that we can do? First, we have to be aware that the problem is present in our communities. Just because it is happening sub rosa does not mean it doesn’t exist. In our area, there are three organizations that help people who have been trafficked. All of them could use funding or some other kind of support. Second, we need to keep our eyes open for those who need help. If there is a house in our neighborhood where there is activity that is suspicious, we can report it to the police. Know the universal sign for help: a person puts their thumb in the palm of their hand and closes their fingers over it. If you see someone do this, call the police; that person is probably being trafficked. And third, pray. Pray that these terrible deeds of darkness will be exposed to the light and that the people responsible will be arrested and the victims will be rescued from this form of modern-day slavery.

Photo courtesy of Engin A Kyurt, Pixabay.