HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE: 1.888.373.7888
What is Human Trafficking?
The recruitment, harboring, transporting, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, slavery or forced commercial sex acts.
SEC. 103 (8) Trafficking Victims Protection Act 2000
- More than 20,000 persons are believed to be trafficked each year within the US borders. (Department of Justice)
- Trafficking victims are men, women and children from all over the world.
- Human trafficking is the 2nd most prevalent organized crime activity in the world, just after drugs, and tied with illegal arms trafficking.
Human Trafficking vs. Smuggling:
Human Trafficking = Forced Labor or Service
Smuggling = Illegally transporting a foreigner over country borders
The Difference:
> Human Trafficking is a crime against a person
> Smuggling is a crime about borders
> Smuggling may be a part of a trafficking case
For example, someone may willingly pay to be smuggled into the United States. If, after arrival, that person was coerced into involuntary servitude, the case would then be considered human trafficking.
Trafficking in Humans is SLAVERY
RECOGNIZE MODERN SLAVERY
What Are The Signs?
- All information is provided by someone accompanying the individual
- Inability to leave home or place of work or speak for oneself
- Loss of control of one’s own identification documents (ID or passport)
- Few or no personal possessions
Where Is It Found?
- Commercial and residential cleaning services, childcare, eldercare, factories and sweatshops
- Nail salons, agricultural and ranch work
- Restaurants, bars and cantinas
- Prostitution, escort services, massage parlors and sexual services publicized on the Internet and in newspapers
RECOGNIZE MODERN SLAVERY
How Can YOU Help?
- Watch! Be aware and don’t turn away. Watch for: Lack of control over personal schedule or money; bruises, depression, fear, overly submissive; always accompanied by a controlling person or boss and not speaking their own mind.
- Ask Key Questions such as: Can you come and go as you please? Where do you sleep and eat? Has your identification or documentation been taken from you?
- If you suspect slavery or exploitation, call the Trafficking Hotline at 888-3737-888.
- Tell others. Expose the truth about modern day slavery.
- Learn more. Search online or at your library for the latest information and statistics.
- Purchase fair trade products and those made by survivors of Human Trafficking.
- Collect supplies to send to shelters.
- Check out social media for victims advocacy groups to follow and help out.
- Consume wisely. Check labels and learn how slave labor contributes to your lifestyle.
- Take action! Whether it is financially, with your time or talents, find YOUR way to help bring awareness to and stop human trafficking in OUR lifetime!
SEE SOMETHING – SAY SOMETHING!!!