Human trafficking is a modern form of slavery where people are exploited for labor or commercial sex. Millions of people worldwide and tens of thousands in the US fall victim to traffickers each year. Victims are typically coerced through venues like strip clubs, brothels, traveling sales crews or agricultural worksites. The US government is committed to working with other countries to stop human trafficking and uphold human dignity. Citizens can help by learning to identify signs of victims and reporting suspected trafficking to authorities.

1. Human Trafficking: A Growing Domestic Concern Presented by: Troy Erb Becca Lagola Edwin Richiez

2. What is Human Trafficking? Human trafficking is a modern day practice of slavery. Human trafficking is the recruitment, harboring, and transportation of people solely for the purpose of exploitation. Every year traffickers generate billions of dollars in profits at the expense of victimizing millions of people around the world, including the United States. Victims most often are forced into coerced labor or used for sexual exploitation.

3. According to US Statistics on Human Trafficking 14,500 - 17,500 foreign nationals are trafficked into the United States every year. 244,000 American children and youth estimated to be at risk of child sexual exploitation, including commercial sexual exploitation, as reported in year 2000. Source: http://www.dreamcenter.org/new/images/outreach/RescueProject/stats.pdf

4. Where Does Sex Trafficking Typically Occur? Pimps coerce women and children into the sex trade using venues such as: Strip clubs Street-based prostitution Escort services Brothels Source: http://www.polarisproject.org/content/view/60/81/

5. Where Does Labor Trafficking Typically Occur? Locations with the most frequent trafficking activity include: Restaurants Agricultural industry Traveling carnivals Peddling/begging rings Traveling sales crews. Source: http://www.polarisproject.org/content/view/60/81/

6. Why Should We Take a Stand? Because of the inherent value in a person as God’s creation Because of the pain and suffering it inflicts on the victims Because it robs the victims of their self-worth and dignity

7. What Does Our Government Say about Human Trafficking? Secretary Condolezza Rice in her statement below displays our government’s stance and resolve regarding human trafficking in the US and abroad. “ All nations that are resolute in the fight to end human trafficking have a partner in the United States. Together we will continue to affirm that no human life can be devalued or discounted. Together we will stop at nothing to end the debasement of our fellow men and women. And together we will bring forth a world of fuller hope, a world where people enjoy the full blessings of their God-given liberty.” — Secretary Condoleezza Rice 2006 TIP Report release, June 5, 2006 Source: http://www.humantrafficking.org/uploads/publications/2007_TIP_Report.pdf

8. How to Identify a Victim of Human Trafficking A victim: Has unexplained absences from school for a period of time, and is therefore a truant Demonstrates an inability to attend school on a regular basis Chronically runs away from home Makes references to frequent travel to other cities Exhibits bruises or other physical trauma, withdrawn behavior, depression, or fear Lacks control over her or his schedule or identification documents Is hungry-malnourished or inappropriately dressed (based on weather conditions or surroundings) Shows signs of drug addiction Source: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osdfs/factsheet.pdf

9. Additional signs that may indicate sex-related trafficking include: Demonstrates a sudden change in attire, behavior, or material possessions (e.g., has expensive items) Makes references to sexual situations that are beyond age-specific norms Has a “boyfriend” who is noticeably older (10+ years) Makes references to terminology of the commercial sex industry that are beyond age specific norms; engages in promiscuous behavior and may be labeled “fast” by peers Source: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osdfs/factsheet.pdf

10. What can you do to help prevent human trafficking? Call your local police department or emergency access number Report suspected trafficking crimes or get help by calling the national 24/7 toll-free Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888 For sexually exploited or abused minors call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s (NCMEC) hotline at 1-800-THE-LOST You can report suspected instances of trafficking or worker exploitation by contacting the FBI field office nearest you or contact the Department of Justice’s Human Trafficking Office at 1-888-428-7581 Source: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osdfs/factsheet.pdf

11. Source References and Links www.polarisproject.org http://www.dreamcenter.org/new/images/outreach/RescueProject/stats.pdf http://www.humantrafficking.org/links/83 http://www.unglobalcompact.org/docs/issues_doc/labour/Forced_labour/HUMAN_TRAFFICKING_-_THE_FACTS_-_final.pdf http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/osdfs/factsheet.html