Human Trafficking happens everywhere and hides in plain sight.
Human trafficking is the criminal practice of people enslaving or exploiting other people for profit. Victims are treated as property, and their bodies are sold to others for sex and/or labor without their consent.
In the US alone, between 14,500 and 17,500 people are trafficked each year. Over half of the people trafficked are children; these children are forced into many forms of slavery, including labor and sex trafficking. Trafficking doesn’t just happen in large cities or faraway places; it happens in our cities, our towns, our neighborhoods.
Victims are often recruited into human trafficking through deceit and/or abduction with the promise of a better life for the victim in one way or another. Traffickers usually target the most vulnerable members of society such as children, victims of physical/emotional abuse, the homeless, runaway youth, the disabled, the poor, refugee or migrant children, LGBTQ+ youth, and the drug addicted.
- Sex Trafficking is when someone is forced or tricked into engaging in sex acts for money against their will.
- Forced Labor victims are made to work for little or no pay often to manufacture or grow products we use and consume each day.
- Domestic Servitude victims are often hidden in plain sight forced to work as maids, nannies, or domestic help.
Does someone control:
- Where you go?
- What you do?
- Who you speak to?
- Your money or your ID?
- Your phone?
Does anyone:
- Lie to you about the work you have to do?
- Force you to do sexual acts with other people?
- Take the money you earn or lie about your pay?
- Threaten to hurt you, your family, or friends if you do not do what they say?
While Human Trafficking can be difficult to spot, there are signs that can help identify someone who is being trafficked. Someone may be a victim if they:
- Avoid eye contact, talking, and other social interactions
- Has no control over their finances
- Has no access to their personal documents
- Is fearful and anxious especially around law enforcement
- Looks malnourished or shows signs of physical abuse, restraint, or confinement
- Is not allowed to speak for themselves
- Appears to have few or no personal possessions
- Is “just visiting” and can’t say where they are living
- Wears suspicious jewelry or has branding tattoos
Family Sunshine Center provides many services for victims of human trafficking.
Do you feel unsafe now?
Our crisis advocates are available 24/7 to provide information, advocacy, and support. You can also call the police/911 if you feel unsafe and need immediate help.
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Do you have a safe place to sleep?
Everyone deserves to have a safe place to sleep, eat, and live. We provide short-term, emergency, and safe shelter for anyone fleeing from violence.
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Do you want to talk to someone?
We provide the counseling and services you need to start your recovery. We want you to know that we believe you, we support you, and we will stand by your side every step of the way.
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