Let's start with an actual definition of what this crime is. It is slavery for the purpose of sex, labor, or organ harvesting, to put it simply. Several organizations rescue victims on a daily basis and protect them, such as Rahab Ministries, Rahab's Daughters, Children of the Night, and several other organizations you can give money to and volunteer at. There is also a hotline for this crime, seen above. Some of these organizations also help women out of prostitution (selling your act of sex on the street).
Prevention
There are trainings on this topic at multiple places, so look around your area to see what's closest. Aside from that, here is what you can do.
1. Say something if you see something - The police can't catch them if you don't report it, so report it. Kidnappings happen quickly and a professional kidnapper will have someone in their vehicle real quick. On top of that, this a crime that is done in groups. Say something before they are over the border!
2. Volunteer for/give to organizations - Anyone can do this, at any organization they choose. It's not hard to do and they appreciate the help. If you can't give time, give money or supplies for safe houses.
3. Raise Awareness - Post the hotline on your social media, host events that broadcast it exists, and generally make people aware that it is still happening, so that they can take steps. It ripples across the population we interact with and creates a safer world when we look out for each other, and that starts with awareness.
The Possible Signs
There are a large number of red flags to look out for, but not all of them mean human trafficking. The rule of logical deduction says The Rule of Three is a generally helpful rule. In other words, if you see one of these you may not want to jump to conclusions, but if you see three or more, say something.
- can't leave job or quit - no financial control over pay - physical injury/abuse
- has an escort to speak for them - fear/under someone's control - untended health issues
- owe money and bound to repay - moving/changing jobs often/suddenly
- unfamiliar with area they live in - not working job originally promised
- travels with minimal/inappropriate luggage - no documentation/lack of control over documents
- provide sexual services in club/has manager - labor/serve but never leave home/work
- can't contact family - not allowed social contact/religious services - restricted freedom
- child engaged in sexual acts - afraid of authorities - forced work under bad conditions
- excessively long hours for long periods of time
Additionally, they may not reach out for help for reasons of a threat toward their family, money issues, drug issues, twisted affection towards their handler, fear of deportation and law enforcement, mistrust, or not knowing how to get help. They also may not know they are being trafficked, probably in the case of young children. On top of that, they may not know the culture they were dropped into.
Types of Trafficking
There are many different types of this crime, with different targets. It seems that our children are always targets, much like women, but LGBT are becoming targets, too.
Forced labor is one type that has some subcategories. Those include debt bondage and involuntary domestic servants. If one owe's someone and they are working off their debt today, it is not normal. It was done legally way-back-when, but not now,and even then they were freed. In this case, they never pay it off and end up as slaves. The latter, involuntary servants, are trapped in a situation where they work for little or no pay and can't leave their employer. They are isolated and trapped, and most likely, abused.
Sex trafficking is the most well known of all the categories. Through force or coercion, these people (they take all genders and ages) are exploited for sex. It happens in strip clubs, brothels, private homes, and several other places. They are often shipped off somewhere. Common targets are women, children, and LGBT individuals. Another sex category is commerical sexual exploitation of children (CSEC). Kids having sex with adults, in short, and being payed for it.
Child labor is, obviously, children being forced into labor. Bad working conditions, health risks, and they're probably badly cared for, too. The subcategories here are domestic work, sex, begging, illegal activities, illegal adoption, early marriage, and child soldiers. This all includes enslavement, too. Street kids are likely targets for some of this. Child soldiers are self-explanatory, but I'm talking about the details, anyway. If they are 17 or younger and are used for military purposes, they are child soldiers. Both genders are taken, so don't assume the girls aren't targets.
Forced marriage is connected to multiple categories because it enables some of these things above to happen. Age matters not, just that an individual didn't consent to marry, but was forced to. In the case of children, it causes even more damage. It also allows someone to travel with their "husband/wife" or handler as a married couple and be forced into labor or the sex trade.
Tactics of Human Traffickers
There are many tactics used to trap victims. Homeless runaways, immigrants, and abuse victims are common targets and can be easily taken in. Illegal immigrants are leveraged by lack of documentation quite often and homeless runaways are lured in for a warm bed or a job and end up forced into work or sex.
Commonly, it starts with the promise of a good job, an opportunity, or a loving relationship. Other times it starts with kidnapping or substance abuse. Just like any emotionally and physically abusive relationship, they end up trapped and without a way to contact help.
I mentioned before that this is a crime done in groups. It is also done individually. It happens in stores, malls, and parking lots, and is a great reason to go everywhere in groups (bathrooms included).
Here are a few common tactics to look out for.
1. lured in by relationship - Also known as being abused and groomed for the trade
2. fake job ads - Long story short, do your research before you go to your interview
3. Cults - grooming a whole group of people for the trade all at once
4. drugged at a party - check your drinks for drugs and be careful what parties you go to
5. social media meet-ups - don't friend someone who you don't personally know, and don't meet them offline
6. sold by family - some people sell their kids to the trade
Abduction is rarely used, and mostly on street runaways, but it is out there. I mistrust going to malls and gas stations alone, personally. I even go to cosplay conventions with at least one person, my tall strong boyfriend and any other friends we want to take with us. I wrote a blog on self-defense and that can be connected directly to this one.
I just gave you a lot of information, so here's the bottom line. To make a long story short, pay attention to your environment. Be careful who befriends you. Trust your gut. Think for yourself and do your research. Don't hit accept on friend requests you don't know. Don't accept strangers' drinks. Say something if you see something suspicious.
Sources:
rahabsdaughters.org/
bigeasymagazine.com/
Pictures:
HHS.gov
the san diego union tribune
endslaverytn.org
polaris website
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