JUST E

View Original

NATIONAL SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION

Erin McGrath Rieke

slavery and human trafficking prevention

NATIONAL SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION

According to the International Labor Organization, approximately 40 million human trafficking victims exist worldwide. Traffickers force victims into labor or commercial sex by using a variety of tactics, but in each circumstance every victim is forced against their will to comply. There is no discrimination when it comes to human trafficking. It impacts all races, classes, religions, genders and abilities.

Human trafficking is slavery and it is an issue that impacts everyone.

INDICATORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING

  • Living with employer

  • Poor living conditions

  • Multiple people in cramped space

  • Inability to speak to individual alone

  • Answers appear to be scripted and rehearsed

  • Employer is holding identity documents

  • Signs of physical abuse

  • Submissive or fearful

  • Unpaid or paid very little

  • Under 18 and in prostitution

QUESTIONS TO ASK

Below are some sample questions provided to the public by the United States State Department and select advocate groups to ask a possible victim privately if you have been alerted by red flags.

  • Can you leave your job if you want to?

  • Can you come and go as you please?

  • Have you been hurt or threatened if you tried to leave?

  • Has your family been threatened?

  • Do you live with your employer?

  • Where do you sleep and eat?

  • Are you in debt to your employer?

  • Do you have your passport/identification? Who has it?

GET HELP

Call the National Human Trafficking toll-free hotline at 1-888-373-7888:

Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocates are available 24/7 to take reports of potential human trafficking. 

Text the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 233733.

Chat the National Human Trafficking Hotline via www.humantraffickinghotline.org/chat

Need Help Finding Resources?

https://mocate.org/resources/missouri-resource-guide/

  • .

  • Get involved – If you suspect human trafficking report it. In the U.S. call 1-866-347-2423. For more information visit www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign. You can also volunteer through organizations committed to eliminating human trafficking. Contact local, state, and regional service organizations to volunteer time, services, or a donation.

  • Get help – If you need help, call 1-888-373-7888. Visit www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign

NATIONAL SLAVERY AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION MONTH HISTORY

National Day of Human Trafficking Awareness is January 11 as designated by the United States Senate in 2007. President Barack Obama increased awareness by declaring January National Slavery and Human Trafficking Month in 2010.