“I’m not an expert on human trafficking, but I know there are experts out there, so I think for me the answer is partnering with people who share a similar heart and vision for how important people are. This issue is so complex, we’re going to be better combating it together than we could ever be alone.” – Ben Higgins
Ben Higgins is passionate about the fight against human trafficking, and has connected with O.U.R. to help spread awareness and start important conversations about the issue. Higgins is best known from season 20 of ABC’s series, “The Bachelor,” which ultimately gave Higgins a platform to share what is most important to him, including his hope for humanity.
From a young age, Ben Higgins’ parents took him on humanitarian missions to Central America. These trips early in his life opened his eyes to kids experiencing poverty and difficult circumstances, differing greatly from his life in Indiana. As he grew up, he began to hear stories of women and even young boys being taken advantage of.
“It wasn’t until I met with a survivor face to face and heard their story, and understood the trauma that was still lasting, that it hit me that this issue is completely ruining the childhood of a lot of people,” Higgins said.
In his early 20s while attending college at Indiana University, Higgins said his life started to fully open up to fighting the issue of human trafficking. His classes and local advocacy groups helped him put this issue and his experiences into context, fueling his desire to combat the injustice.
“I’m not an expert on human trafficking, but I know there are experts out there, so I think for me the answer is partnering with people who share a similar heart and vision for how important people are. This issue is so complex, we’re going to be better combating it together than we could ever be alone.” – Ben Higgins
Higgins said that in talking with others about human trafficking, he has noticed two initial responses. First, it quickly becomes apparent how complex and deep the issue of human trafficking is. Questions arise such as, Why is this happening, how do we stop it, how big is this issue? Second, there is always a level of heartbreak. He described that when you truly think through exactly what is happening to these children and adults, it is painful to process.
“It motivates me to use any resources available to me to combat this…If there is an injustice in the world today that is greatly affecting humans, and if it is pulling at my heart, I hope it is a lane I can go down and make a difference,” Higgins said.
One thing that drew him to Operation Underground Railroad was our focus on aftercare and healing for survivors. He shares our belief that it is incredibly important to walk with survivors the whole way through their healing process.
Higgins spreads awareness in his circle of influence by starting simple conversations and raising his voice against the injustice of child slavery.
His story of coming to understand the issue of human trafficking and doing something to fight it is relatable and motivating. We are grateful for his desire to make a real difference in the lives of survivors and for those not yet rescued.
Join us in this fight against child sex trafficking. Become an Abolitionist today for as little as $5/month.
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