Publications


Human Trafficking

 

What is Human Trafficking?

  • Human trafficking is a modern-day form of SLAVERY. Victims of human trafficking are subjected to force, fraud, or coercion, for the purpose of sexual exploitation or forced labor.
    • Commercial sex acts may be induced by force, fraud or coercion or exploit any child under 18 years of age.
  • Many victims are forced to work off a debt to the trafficker, and are not allowed to leave or contact anyone they know.
  • Victims need not be transported from one location to another.

 

Who are the Victims?

  • Victims can be anyone!
    • Young children, teenagers, men and women.
    • All races and genders.
    • All over the world, including here in California.
  • Victims find themselves in a vulnerable situation and are taken advantage of by someone who promises them money or promises to take care of them.

What are some Indicators of Human Trafficking?

  • Victim shows signs of:
    • trauma, fatigue, injury, or other evidence of poor care and hygiene, including signs of sexual abuse and psychological damage.
  • Victim is withdrawn, afraid to talk, or his or her communication is censored by another person.
  • Victim does not have freedom of movement.
    • Heavy security at commercial establishment (barred windows, locked doors, electronic surveillance, isolated location); employees are not seen leaving unless they are escorted.
    • Victim is prohibited from leaving the work site or the site where he or she lives (often the same site).
  • Victim owes a debt to his or her employer.
  • Security measures are used to control who has contact with the Victim.
  • Victim does not have control over his or her own government-issued identification or over his or her worker immigration documents.
  • High foot traffic at all hours of the day and night.

How to Get Help/Resources?

  • National Human Trafficking Resource Center(NHTRC): 1-888-3737-888
    • Call this number to:
      • Report a tip;
      • Connect with anti-trafficking services in your area; or
      • Request general information or specific anti-trafficking resources.
  • The Freedom Registry:
    • Find local resources for victims of human trafficking