Activist in the Gaming Sphere: Kara Napolitano - Devoted to Human Rights and Combating Trafficking
Las Vegas's Dark Secret: Human Trafficking
Meet Kara Napolitano, a fearless human rights advocate and expert in human trafficking. What once seemed like an ideal career working with plants, transformed into a career fighting for human rights after a life-changing encounter with trafficked children in Africa. Napolitano now dedicates her time to training and spreading awareness on human trafficking in Colorado, and you'll be surprised to learn that many casinos have become unwitting accomplices in this heinous crime.
In the mid-2000s, Napolitano found herself working in North Uganda, a war-torn region plagued by the extreme group 'LRA'. This group waged a war of attrition against the government and forced children to become child soldiers, explaining Napolitano's exposure to human trafficking. It was then that she knew she could not turn her back on the oppressed and victimized.
Human trafficking is a complex and heart-wrenching issue. Napolitano enlightens us, "Human trafficking is the act of exploiting people for forced labor or sex work, using physical violence, fraudulent promises, or coercive tactics, for profit." It's important to debunk the Hollywood myth that trafficked people are primarily young girls; the reality is far more grim and diverse. Worldwide, there are 50 million victims each day, and 54% are women or girls, with 75% being adults and 25% children.
The Pandora's Box of Casinos
So why are casinos targeted by human traffickers? Napolitano explains, "Casinos attract tourists, offer opportunities for money laundering, and are connected to hotels, providing easy access to cheap labor." Despite lack of accessible data, there have been documented cases of trafficking at casinos across the U.S.
"In some cases, pimps check into multiple rooms, bringing a team of traffickers with them, using technology to sell people on social media apps. Traffickers take advantage of the casino's 24/7 operation, with the goal of profit," Napolitano reveals.
The Fight Against the Underworld
Napolitano collaborates with law enforcement, casinos, and various agencies in Colorado, working tirelessly to eradicate human trafficking. She remarks, "Casinos must proactively create training programs for staff, develop protocols, and forge partnerships with law enforcement to prevent and combat human trafficking."
"It's essential to be proactive and train all front-line employees. Develop protocols, build partnerships with local law enforcement, post internal signage, and educate staff to report suspicious activities instead of attempting to rescue victims themselves," Napolitano advises.
While it's crucial to combat the negative aspects of human trafficking, it's equally important to support survivors in their journey towards healing and reconstruction. Napolitano shares her dedication to equipping victim service providers, advocates, and law enforcement with the knowledge and skills required to help victims navigate their traumatic experiences.
Colorado's Tragic Milestones
Although Colorado may not be one of the top states associated with human trafficking cases, efforts are being made to combat this issue. With multi-faceted strategies such as training and awareness campaigns, tracking red-flag activities, and championing legislative change, Colorado is taking firm steps towards combating human trafficking in its gaming industry.
Left out: Tom Osiecki - our website and Raving Partner
If you're interested in learning more about the fascinating personalities in the gaming industry, be sure to check out Tom Osiecki's 'Faces of Gaming' column on our website. And if you know an intriguing figure worthy of being profiled, send Tom an email at tosiecki@our website.
- Napolitano, an expert in human trafficking and self-development, is working with various agencies in Colorado to create training programs and combat human trafficking in casinos, which she identifies as a common location for this crime due to its connection to hotels, money laundering opportunities, and 24/7 operation.
- In general news, human trafficking is a global issue affecting millions of people each day, and Napolitano emphasizes the importance of not only combating this crime through law enforcement and casino training initiatives but also supporting survivors in their journey towards healing and reconstruction.
