Human trafficking is a serious problem throughout the world and within our country's borders. Many people have come to accept trafficking and other forms of prostitution as socially acceptable. And although most people have come to understand the injustices of the issue, there are some policies and even values ​​that supersede morality. With over tens of thousands of women and young children being bought and sold into slavery every day, it becomes clear that this is an issue that needs to be addressed more seriously. The only way to give victims of trafficking their human rights back and to prevent this crime from continuing to occur is to educate ourselves and understand how it happened, so we can raise awareness and save those most at risk. It has been said that with knowledge comes power. The power to make a difference and change lives. Power to improve society and perhaps even change our nation as a whole. If we want to end trafficking, we must first understand its source. The practice of exchanging sex for money dates back to the third millennium. In the article A History of Prostitution, Zac Fanni explains that prostitution originated in Mesopotamia as a religious rite. The Samarians, an early civilization in Mesopotamia, worshiped the goddess Ishtar, the goddess of love and war. The women in Ishtar's service helped the men who offered money to her temples with the "sacred" and "divine" powers of their bodies. Men of different ranks could hire the women and offer a financial sacrifice to the temple from which she came. The king also often took part in these religious rituals. It was thought that if the king and the high priestess performed sexual intercourse...... middle of paper ...... thanks to their experience we can learn how to prevent it in the future. Clay, Rebecca A. "Modern Slavery." http://www.apa.org. Np, May 2011. Web. 03 March 2014. Author demonstrates the mental injuries suffered by victims and how to help survivors cope.Fanni, Zac. “Sabotage times, we can't concentrate, so why should you?” Times of sabotage A history of prostitution How old is the sex trade Comments. NP, January 30, 2014. Web. March 15, 2014. Author provides historical context on prostitution. "SEX TRAFFICKING IN THE USA" Sex trafficking in the United States – July 2012 – CharitySub. Np, nd Web. March 16, 2014."The victims | Polaris Project | Fight against human trafficking and modern slavery."The victims | Polaris Project | Fight against human trafficking and modern slavery. Np, nd Web. March 15. 2014.