WHAT IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING?
What exactly is Human Trafficking? It has a broader definition than most people realize and it once happened to me. I survived my ordeal, but the aftermath lingers on. I am writing this to bring attention to the issue and to let people know what to do if they recognize it.
According to Homeland Security human trafficking is, “…the use of force, fraud or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.” Traffickers can target immigrants or members of any community here in the United “States. They lure people with false promises of high paying jobs, manipulation or violence. They are not paid and traffickers use the fear of homelessness to get them to do what they want. Many victims do not come forward because they fear their traffickers, have language barriers or fear law enforcement.
HOW DO YOU IDENTIFY HUMAN TRAFFICKING?
Some key signs from the Department of Homeland Security’s website are:
- Does the person appear fearful, timid or submissive?
- Does the person appear to be coached on what to say?
- Does the person have freedom of movement or are there unreasonableble security measures?
- Has the person has a sudden or dramatic change of behavior?
WHAT TO DO IF YOU THINK YOU RECOGNIZE HUMAN TRAFFICKING
If you think you recognize human trafficking call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at1-800-373-7888 or visit the Department of Homeland Security website at https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/what-human-trafficking .
Wendy B’s Studio 