Understanding Human Trafficking: Essential Insights

January marks Human Trafficking Awareness Month, making it a crucial time to educate ourselves about this grave issue and discover ways to promote awareness. Tragically, human trafficking likely exists in your own community. This crime encompasses forced labor and sexual exploitation, preying on any vulnerable individual, be they children or adults.

Human trafficking thrives at the intersection of various vulnerabilities. Recognizing these risk factors can aid in preventing and identifying survivors. According to the Polaris Project, which manages the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline, vulnerabilities can include recent relocation, substance abuse, mental health issues, involvement with child welfare systems, and being a runaway or homeless youth.

Stay informed to recognize genuine trafficking situations and to support victims in seeking help. Steer clear of sensationalized tales and conspiracy theories. Remember, human trafficking is a crime with real consequences for survivors, and spreading myths only undermines their plight. Common misconceptions include the belief that trafficking always involves abduction, that it occurs only in distant locations, and that sex trafficking is the sole form of trafficking.

Often, psychological coercion plays a significant role, with victims forming trauma bonds with their traffickers. Many traffickers have prior relationships with their victims, and grooming is a process used to desensitize individuals to abuse, making them less likely to report it. Some traffickers may even induce drug addiction in their victims to maintain control, complicating their escape.

Human trafficking is a pervasive issue, occurring everywhere, including the United States. Victims can be of any nationality, age, socioeconomic status, or gender, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign. While sex trafficking receives significant media attention, globally, 74% of trafficking survivors have been exploited for forced labor, while 17% have been victims of sexual exploitation (IOM UN Migration). The Office for Victims of Crime suggests that human trafficking is among the fastest-growing illegal industries worldwide. For accurate national statistics, visit the Polaris Project, but always be cautious of data interpretation. The primary focus should be on supporting survivors by addressing the vulnerabilities that lead to trafficking.

What You Can Do

Survivors hold valuable insights into how trafficking occurs, and numerous local organizations work tirelessly to combat this issue. A comprehensive approach is necessary, as human trafficking is a crime, a public health crisis, and a violation of human rights.

Address Survivor Needs: Many survivors lack access to essential resources like housing and transportation. Support their relocation to safe environments. Consider donating emergency care kits containing toiletries, clothing, food, and other necessities. Gift cards can empower survivors as well. Organizations such as the Empowerment Collaborative of Long Island (ECLI) focus on assisting survivors through counseling, advocacy, crisis intervention, and case management. ECLI collaborates with local law enforcement, including the Suffolk County Police Department’s Human Trafficking Investigations Unit, which is dedicated to aiding victims and bringing traffickers to justice. Seek out organizations that address the diverse needs of survivors to more effectively combat trafficking in your community.
Shift Cultural Perspectives: Resist glorifying pimps and the associated culture. Help raise awareness of human trafficking by being mindful of your language. Use terms like victim/survivor instead of prostitute, and trafficker instead of pimp. Accurately naming trafficking situations aids in awareness and survivor support.
Focus on Prevention: According to the CDC, adverse childhood experiences can lead to trauma with lasting effects on health. A trauma-informed approach is essential in addressing human trafficking since many survivors face trauma as children and during their exploitation. Educate your children on internet safety and be aware of terms indicative of trafficking, such as branding (tattoos indicating ownership), “daddy” (a term used by traffickers), or “the game” (referring to prostitution subcultures).
Advocate for Change: Research what local politicians are doing to support legislation that upholds the rights of trafficking survivors. Engage with advocacy organizations like ATEST Alliance to End Slavery & Trafficking to learn more about the issue.

If you suspect forced labor or sexual exploitation, report it to the National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888 or texting 233733. For emergencies, dial 911. You can also join the fight against human trafficking by volunteering or donating to local organizations like the Empowerment Collaborative of Long Island. Check out this resource for more information on how to get involved.

Summary

Human trafficking is an urgent issue affecting countless individuals worldwide. By educating ourselves, supporting survivors, and advocating for change, we can make a significant impact.