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The Modern Reality of Human Trafficking

  • Despite common belief, slavery persists with human traffickers raking in billions globally

  • Survivors endure sexual, physical, and psychological abuse

  • Sex trafficking survivors face diverse scenarios:

    • Entrapment by acquaintances who coerce them into prostitution

    • Lured under false pretenses of legitimate employment (e.g., modeling, dancing)

    • Forced into the sex trade by family members, even parents

  • Duration of exploitation varies:

    • Some endure the horrors for days, weeks, or even years

  • Legal standpoint:

    • Federal law categorizes all minors (<18) in the commercial sex industry as trafficked

    • Consent holds no weight, especially concerning minors

Dollars

HUMAN
TRAFFICKING

Human trafficking is the illegal trade of children, women and men through recruitment or abduction, by means of force, fraud, coercion, or debt bondage for the purposes of forced labor or sexual exploitation.

Recognizing Common Human Trafficking Tactics

  • False Job Offers:

    • Promising lucrative employment opportunities in industries like modeling, hospitality, or agriculture.

    • Offering work with unrealistic wages or benefits that seem too good to be true.

  • Deceptive Relationships:

    • Building trust through romantic or platonic relationships, then coercing victims into exploitative situations.

    • Pretending to befriend vulnerable individuals, only to exploit them later.

  • Physical and Psychological Abuse:

    • Inflicting violence, threats, or intimidation to control survivors.

    • Manipulating victims psychologically, often through emotional abuse or gaslighting.

  • Isolation and Control:

    • Restricting survivors' movements and communications, isolating them from friends, family, or community.

    • Confiscating identification documents to limit survivors' autonomy and ability to seek help.

  • Debt Bondage:

    • Recruiting individuals under the guise of helping them pay off debts or loans, then exploiting them indefinitely.

    • Imposing exorbitant fees for transportation, accommodation, or other necessities, creating a cycle of debt.

  • Trauma Bonding:

    • Exploiting survivors' vulnerabilities and inducing dependency on traffickers through manipulation and emotional abuse.

    • Creating a sense of loyalty or indebtedness in survivors, making it difficult for them to seek help or escape.

  • Forced Criminal Activity:

    • Coercing survivors into illegal activities such as drug trafficking, theft, or fraud, under threat of violence or harm.

    • Using survivors as "mules" or pawns in criminal enterprises, exploiting their vulnerability and desperation.

What are my options if I have been trafficked?

If you are in immediate danger, prioritize finding a safe place. This could be a public area, a trusted friend's home, or a nearby shelter. Once you are safe, contact emergency services by calling 911 or your local emergency number. Law enforcement and first responders can provide immediate protection and help you get to a secure location.

01.

Seek Immediate Safety

02.

Contact a Hotline

03.

Get Medical Attention

04.

Connect with Support Services

05.

Consider Legal Action

Seeking medical care is crucial for addressing any injuries or health issues you may have. A healthcare provider can conduct a thorough examination, treat injuries, and screen for infections or other health conditions. They can also document any physical evidence of abuse, which can be important if you choose to pursue legal action. Many hospitals and clinics have protocols for assisting trafficking survivors and can connect you with further support services.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline is a vital resource for survivors. By calling 1-888-373-7888 or texting "HELP" to 233733 (BEFREE), you can access confidential support 24/7. The hotline can connect you with local resources, provide crisis intervention, safety planning, and information on services available to you. They also offer assistance in multiple languages.

 

Local and national organizations specialize in helping survivors of human trafficking. These organizations can offer a range of services including emergency shelter, long-term housing, counseling, legal advocacy, job training, and more. Contacting these organizations can provide you with a support network and the resources necessary for rebuilding your life. Examples include Polaris Project, Safe Horizon, and local domestic violence or human trafficking shelters (like the Bridge to Hope).

Consulting with a lawyer experienced in human trafficking cases can help you understand your legal rights and options. They can assist you with pursuing justice against traffickers through criminal charges or civil lawsuits. Many legal aid organizations offer free or low-cost services to trafficking survivors.

Know that what happened was not your fault. Recognize that healing from an attack takes time. Give yourself the time you need and know that it is never too late to get help.

What can I do to support someone who has been trafficked?

Listen and Offer Emotional Support

Create a safe and non-judgmental space for the person to share their experiences. Listen actively and empathetically, allowing them to express their feelings without fear of judgment or blame. Validating their emotions is crucial; acknowledge that their feelings are real and understandable given their experiences. Encouraging open communication helps them feel heard and supported, fostering a sense of trust and safety. Let them know you are there for them unconditionally and are willing to listen whenever they are ready to talk.

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Provide Information on Resources

Inform the person about available resources that can offer professional help and support. Share the contact information for the National Human Trafficking Hotline (1-888-373-7888 or text "HELP" to 233733) and local organizations dedicated to assisting trafficking survivors. These organizations can provide crisis intervention, shelter, counseling, legal aid, and more. Additionally, guide them to healthcare providers who can address any medical needs and legal aid organizations that can help them understand their rights and options. Connecting them with these resources can provide crucial support and help them take steps toward recovery.

Respect Their Autonomy and Privacy

Respecting the person’s autonomy and privacy is vital in supporting their recovery. Empower them to make their own decisions about reporting the trafficking, seeking medical care, or pursuing legal action. It’s important to support their choices, whatever they may be, and to provide information and encouragement without pressure. Maintaining confidentiality is also essential; ensure their situation remains private unless they give explicit permission to share information. Recovery is a personal and often lengthy process, so be patient and offer ongoing support as they navigate their path to healing.

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