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Human Trafficking​

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What is human trafficking?

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Action + Means + Purpose = Human Trafficking

Human trafficking occurs when a perpetrator, often referred to as a trafficker, takes an Action, and then employs the Means of force, fraud or coercion for the Purpose of compelling the victim to provide commercial sex acts, labor or services. At a minimum, one element from each column must be present to establish a potential situation of human trafficking.

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide – including right here in the United States. It can happen in any community and victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality.

Traffickers might use the following methods to lure victims into trafficking situations:

  • Threat or use of force
  • Coercion
  • Fraud
  • Deception
  • Abuse of a position of vulnerability
  • Giving Payments or benefits
  • Abduction

People Who Are Vulnerable

  • Have an unstable living situation
  • Have previously experienced other forms of violence such as sexual abuse or domestic violence
  • Have run away or are involved in the juvenile justice or child welfare system
  • Are undocumented immigrants
  • Are facing poverty or economic need
  • Have a caregiver or family member who has a substance use issue
  • Are addicted to drugs or alcohol

Recognizing the Signs

  • Is the person closely guarded?
  • Does the person have any signs of physical abuse, such as cigarette burns or tattoos indicating ownership?
  • Is the person allowed to keep the money they make? A trafficked sex worker will have restricted or no access to earnings
  • Is there any evidence that the person has been forced, intimidated or coerced into providing sexual services?
  • Does the person have an English vocabulary of only sexualised words?
  • Are there any signs the person is experiencing emotional trauma as a result of the
    work they are doing?

Report Trafficking

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911.

Human trafficking is a situation in which an individual is compelled to work or engage in commercial sex through the use of force, fraud or coercion. If the individual is under the age of 18 and engaging in commercial sex they are experiencing trafficking regardless of whether force, fraud, or coercion is also taking place.

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