Saturday, April 27, 2024
The History
January marks Human Trafficking Prevention Month after former President Barack Obama created a proclamation in 2010 with every president thereafter following his example.
According to the United States Department of State, “’Trafficking in persons,’ ‘human trafficking’ and ‘modern slavery’ are umbrella terms – often used interchangeably – that refer to a crime whereby traffickers exploit and profit at the expense of adults or children by compelling them to perform labor or engage in commercial sex. When a person younger than 18 is used to perform a commercial sex act, it is a crime regardless of whether there is any force, fraud or coercion involved.”
In 2000, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 enshrined the United States commitment to combat human trafficking both domestically and internationally.
“During National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we reaffirm our commitment to ending this inhumane and immoral practice in all its forms. And, as we bring perpetrators to justice, we renew our pledge to help survivors recover and rebuild their lives,” reads a part of President Joseph Biden’s proclamation read in January 2023.
The Statistics
There are estimated to be more than 27.6 million people, including both adults and children, subjected to human trafficking around the world, according to the United States Department of State.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline reported the highest count of trafficking is sex, followed by labor and then sex and labor. Venues for sex trafficking are highest at massage and spa businesses followed by hotels/motels. Venues for labor trafficking were highest in domestic work followed by construction.
According to a crime data report for Hood County, there have been no incidents, victims or offenses of human trafficking during 2022 or 2023.
“I do not want to say it does not happen in Hood County, but it’s been a couple years since we had a case. There have been reports taken and looked into, but the cases were unfounded,” Hood County Sherriff Roger Deeds said. “With the large amount of human trafficking cases in Texas out of the big cities and along the border, we have not had reports that we found evidence, but cases need to be completely investigated to make sure nothing slips by us.”
Who is affected
According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, anyone can experience trafficking in any community, just as anyone can be the victim of any kind of crime. While it can happen to anyone, evidence suggests that people of color and LGBTQ+ people are more likely to experience trafficking than other demographic groups. Generational trauma, historic oppression, discrimination and other societal factors and inequities create community-wide vulnerabilities. Traffickers recognize and take advantage of people who are vulnerable.
Some people can be more vulnerable to trafficking if they have an unstable living situation, have previously experienced other forms of violence, are involved in the juvenile justice or child welfare system, are undocumented immigrants, are facing poverty, have someone with a substance abuse issue, or are addicted to drugs or alcohol.
The Signs
While there is not a tale-tell sign someone is experience trafficking, here are some red flags that could alert someone to a potential trafficking situation that should be reported, including:
Where to get help
It is important to contact local law enforcement immediately if you or someone you know has experienced human trafficking. For urgent situations, it is important to call 911 and alert the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline is a 24-hour hotline at 1-888-373-7888. There you can also report a tip, connect with anti-trafficking services in your area and for more general information.
