Friday, June 17, 2011

Spotting and Reporting Human Trafficking

In light of today's article, I've found some excellent resources to equip you to notice and report human trafficking, sex trafficking, or slavery.

First things first, you have to catch someone to catch them.  Here are some "red flags" you should look for that may point to a human trafficking situation:  human trafficking "red flags"

A family member of mine who lives in PA was actually able to rescue two girls because she noticed red flags at her local nail salon.  Turns out these young Asian girls had been promised a college education in America, but instead were kidnapped and made housebound maids and manicurists by a white, suburban middle-class family.  If they tried to escape, they were told they'd be jailed for not having immigration documents.  While they technically earned money, their kidnapper would keep it to pay off their ever-mounting "travel expenses."

The next step is reporting human trafficking, which, thanks to the Polaris Project, is easy and safe!  Find directions at this link: National Human Trafficking Hotline.

Finally, you should know that, regardless of immigration status (or lack thereof), victims of human trafficking are protected in the United States.  While they are told that lack of documentation will get them into trouble, they will be protected.  A victim may try and convince you not to report their situation, but don't listen.  They are deceived.  Reporting will not only save their life, but it will save the lives of other victims affected by the same trafficker(s) and get human traffickers behind bars, where they can't, well, human traffic.  Read the official statement here: Trafficking Persons Protection Acts.

Keep your eyes open to the suffering that might be in your own neighborhood and your hearts bowed to the God of love who came to seek and save the lost.

Because He first loved me,
Stephanie

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