Help End Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is the illegal trade in human beings through abduction, use or threat of force, deception, or fraud, for purposes of sexual exploitation or forced labor. The men, women and children trafficked into the United States come from all over he world, including the Russian Federation and other parts of Eastern Europe, Asian countries such as China or Vietnam, Mexico and Central and South American countries.

Approximately 600,000 to 800,000 victims annually are trafficked across international borders worldwide, and between 14,500 and 17,500 of those are brought into the United States, according to the U.S. State Department.

The victims are forcibly kidnapped, sold by their families, or fraudulently recruited by someone promising them a legitimate job. These men, women and children are forced into domestic servitude, prostitution, or some other type of labor. Traffickers use force, fraud and threats to get victims to engage in forced labor (involuntary servitude, debt bondage or slavery) or commercial sex (prostitution, stripping, pornography).

The Houston Rescue and Restore Coalition reports that “the perpetrators of these crimes instill fear in their victims in order to keep the victims from leaving or reporting the crimes they endure. Tactics for enslavement include debt bondage, isolation from the public, isolation from family and ethnic or religious community, withholding legal documents, use or threat of violence against the person or the person’s family, threat of imprisonment or deportation, denial of medical care, rape, control of the person’s money, and manipulation and psychological abuse.” (Human Trafficking: The Invisible Slave Trade, April 2007)

Most victims don’t speak or understand English, and end up isolated and unable to find assistance when they need it the most. Many victims don’t even know what city they are in. They are taught to be afraid of the police, and even when given the opportunity (like being arrested for prostitution), they remain silent instead of asking for help.

The best way to combat human traffickers is through education of the public and law enforcement officials. Human trafficking has been a dirty little secret among the traffickers for some time. Many people do not believe that crimes like this occur in the United States, including law enforcement personnel and prosecutors. This situation is changing, and it will be progressively more difficult for the traffickers to conduct their business as more people become aware of the problem and how to report it.

Report Human Trafficking

1-888-3737-888

Toll-free | 24-hours, 7 days a week | Confidential

National Human Trafficking Resource Center

Call specialists will help to connect victims to local services and resources.

Fax: 202-401-5487
Email: Trafficking@acf.hhs.gov
Website: www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking

Most victims do not self-identify as victims or are not aware that help is available. By taking action and calling, you may be the only one that can provide crucial information about a trafficking case.