InTouch with Southern Kentucky January 2020

J Human Trafficking anuary is Human Traffick- ing Awareness Month. Why should we be aware and concerned with Human Trafficking? We should be deeply concerned about human traf- ficking, because it intertwines with many other social justice issues. It is connected to gender and racial inequality because at its root is the belief that one human life is worth less than another. According to The Department for Homeland Security human traf- ficking is “modern-day slavery and 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 and even in our local towns. While human trafficking can happen to anyone, people who are already in vulnerable situations may be more likely to be targeted. They look for people who are susceptible for a variety of reasons, including psychological or emotional vulnera- bility, economic hardship, lack of a social safety net, natural disasters, or political instability. The trauma caused by the traffickers can be so great that many may not identify themselves as victims or ask for help, even in highly public settings. It can and does happen in every community and victims can be any age, race, gender, socioeconomic status or nationality. Some of the ways that traffickers lure victims into trafficking is the use of vio- lence, manipulation, or false prom- ises of well-paying jobs or romantic relationships. What is sex trafficking? The different kinds of human trafficking include sex trafficking, forced labor, and domestic servi- tude. Sex trafficking victims may be forced, threatened, or manipulated by promises of love or affection to engage in sex acts for money. Any person under the age of 18 involved 18 • I n T ouch with S outhern K entucky in a commercial sex act is consid- ered a victim of human traffick- ing. What can you do to get involved? Because Human Trafficking effects all communities there is something each of us can do to help prevent it. National Human Trafficking Aware- ness Day is observed annually on January 11. Beginning in 2010, by Presidential Proclamation, each January has been designated National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Following the start of Na- tional Slavery and Human Traffick- ing Prevention Month, with the help of non-government organizations, National Human Trafficking Day began and is observed annually on January 11. It is estimated that up to 40.3 million people around the world are being trafficked, and sex trafficking is one of the world’s fastest growing criminal industries. Children are particularly vul- nerable to exploitation, especially children connected to the child welfare system. In the U.S., 60 per- cent of domestic child trafficking victims come from foster care and group homes. 74% of child traffick- ing cases involved sex trafficking, and the majority of those involved pimp-controlled prostitution. Warning Signs We need to be aware of the warn- ing signs when someone is a victim of Human Trafficking. Some of the warning signs include: • Signs of physical abuse • Deprived of food, water or med- ical care • Restricted communication • Too many occupants in one residence • Individuals are rarely seen out- side of the residence • Unable to communicate • Shows evidence of intimidation or fear • Not allowed to socialize or at- tend religious services • Always accompanied when out- side the residence • Outside locks on doors and win- dows to keep people in • Lacks ID/documentation Questions to Ask If you suspect that someone is a victim of human trafficking the following questions are helpful in making that determination: • Can you leave your job if you want to • Can you come and go as you please? • Have you or your family been threatened? • What are your working and liv- ing conditions like? • Where do you sleep and eat? • Do you have to ask permission to eat, sleep, go to the bathroom? • Are there locks on your doors or windows so you cannot get out? • Has your identification been taken away from you? • Does someone prohibit you from socializing? The safety of the public as well as the victim is paramount. Do not attempt to confront a suspected trafficker directly or alert a victim J anuary 2020

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