What is human trafficking?

Human trafficking is often referred to as modern day slavery. There are two types of trafficking: sex and labor. Human trafficking is not smuggling; smuggling is transportation-based, and trafficking is exploitation-based. Smuggling occurs across borders, human trafficking can occur without transporting victims across state or international borders.

What is sex trafficking?

Sex trafficking involves obtaining a person and sexually exploiting them for a profit. Sex trafficking can occur at many locations; bars and clubs, brothels, escort services, or other places where women and men may be put at risk for exploitation.

What is labor trafficking?

Labor trafficking is forcing individuals to work involuntarily. Labor trafficking is the most common form of trafficking in the United States. Types of labor trafficking:

Debt bondage- where an individual is forced to work to pay off a debt or loan which can never actually be paid off because the wages are so low.
Force labor- can happen in any industry but the most common is _x0027_cash-in-hand_x0027_ transactions such as housekeeping, carnivals, farming, construction, and other jobs where workers are expecting a cash payment.
Indentured servitude- paying for ones passage to America by working for no money.

Who are the victims of human trafficking?

Victims can be any age, gender, or nationality. Victims do not have a choice, there is no consent. Many victims are lured with false promises of financial or emotional security. Children who frequently run away from home and other vulnerable youth are at higher risk of being trafficked. Traffickers tend to target younger victims through:

Social media
Homeless shelters and other common places where homeless youth may be found
Shopping malls and other common places where young kids may hang out

What are the long-term effects of human trafficking?

Some long-term effects that victims may face include:

Long-term problems with drugs and alcohol
Memory loss from traumatic stress
Feelings of shame, fear, and guilt
Suicidal thoughts
Difficulty integrating into society
Lacking basic life skills

Victims should receive the proper care to help them through trauma.

What are the signs that someone may be a victim?

No control over own I.D
Signs of injuries or abuse
Fear, anxiety, depression, submissiveness, nervousness
Appear malnourished or have bad hygiene (poor physical and dental health)
Sudden change in attire, personal hygiene, relationships, and attitude
Has few or no personal possessions
Living with his or her employer
Under 18 and in prostitution
Multiple people living in a cramped space
Is unable to speak for themselves or their answers appear scripted or rehearsed
Employer is holding identity documents
A person is unpaid or paid very little for work

How do traffickers intimidate and control victims?

Control victims papers and legal documents
Threaten victims that they risk getting arrested or deported
Threaten to harm or kill the victim_x0027_s family
Use debt and other fines in order to keep victim from leaving
Restricting victims movement (restraining them)
Isolation
Psychological and emotional abuse to create a dependency

How is human trafficking prevented?

Be aware of your surroundings
Ask for help if you feel you are in danger
Be educated, learn the facts
Know your child_x0027_s friends
Supervise your child_x0027_s activities
Monitor where your children spend their time and their surroundings
Keep your child safe on the internet

Talk to your children about their online activity
Look at your child_x0027_s friend list; do they know everyone on it?
Show your child how to set their profile to private
Monitor your child_x0027_s photos and posts, have them delete anything that is inappropriate
Monitor their use of Apps on smartphones

Know the Facts

If you or someone you know needs help

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