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Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Millions of men, women, and children are victims of trafficking every year around the world. Traffickers keep victims isolated – physically and emotionally – as a key method of control.
Trafficking can happen to anyone and anywhere. It is happening in Blair County. Traffickers target vulnerabilities in potential victims, including psychological or emotional vulnerabilities, economic hardship, working parents or guardians, latchkey kids, lack of a social safety net, natural disasters, or social instability.
Traffickers also use social media apps and videogame chat parties to connect with and befriend minors. Parents should monitor their children’s use of all social media and online gaming platforms.
Adults and children may be vulnerable if they:
- Are in an unstable living situation
- Have history of domestic violence
- Have history sexual abuse
- Have a substance abuse problem
- Have a family member or caregiver who has a substance abuse problem
- Have mental/behavioral health history
- Are undocumented immigrants
- Are runaways
- Are involved in the juvenile justice system
- Are involved in group homes or foster care systems
While not an exhaustive list, these are some key red flags that could alert you to a potential trafficking situations:
- New items such as clothing, jewelry, haircuts/styles, nails that otherwise would not be obtainable to that person due to age or financial resources
- Older friends or significant others
- Living with employer
- Poor living conditions
- Multiple people in cramped space
- Inability to speak to individual alone
- Answers appear to be scripted and rehearsed
- Employer is holding identity documents
- Signs of physical abuse
- Submissive or fearful
- Unpaid or paid very little
- Under 18 and in prostitution
- Tattoo and branding
The trauma and threats caused by the traffickers can be so great that many may not identify themselves as victims, seek help, or try to run away, even in highly public settings.
Trafficking Resources:
Truckers Against Traffickers https://truckersagainsttrafficking.org/
Polaris Project https://polarisproject.org/
The Blue Campaign https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign
For more information or questions contact the Victim Services Program.
