• The types of physical and psychological abuse human trafficking victims experience often lead to the co-occurrence of trauma, diagnosed mental health conditions, and substance abuse. Additionally, individuals who experience social/cultural marginalization, linguistic barriers, homelessness, or isolation from the home community, are especially vulnerable to traffickers. (OVC)
• Providing culturally appropriate and trauma-informed for trafficking victims treatment can be challenging. Here are commonly reported barriers and challenges to help victims with their trauma:
• Limited availability and access to appropriate treatment-based services.
• Difficulty establishing trusting relationships with survivors.
• Victims’ distrust of law enforcement and traditional human services.
• Mandated treatment efforts may be counterproductive when working with victims. This is particularly relevant if the victim is sectioned or in a locked detox or CSS treatment facility.
• Victims may not define their experience as abusive or attempt to escape.
• Victims may not be allowed to speak, have privacy, or someone will insist on interpreting for them.
• Social/cultural marginalization, linguistic barriers, homelessness, and isolation from the home community. (OVC)
• The types of physical and psychological abuse human trafficking victims experience often lead to the co-occurrence of trauma, diagnosed mental health conditions, and substance abuse. Additionally, individuals who experience social/cultural marginalization, linguistic barriers, homelessness, or isolation from the home community, are especially vulnerable to traffickers. (OVC)
• Providing culturally appropriate and trauma-informed for trafficking victims treatment can be challenging. Here are commonly reported barriers and challenges to help victims with their trauma:
• Limited availability and access to appropriate treatment-based services.
• Difficulty establishing trusting relationships with survivors.
• Victims’ distrust of law enforcement and traditional human services.
• Mandated treatment efforts may be counterproductive when working with victims. This is particularly relevant if the victim is sectioned or in a locked detox or CSS treatment facility.
• Victims may not define their experience as abusive or attempt to escape.
• Victims may not be allowed to speak, have privacy, or someone will insist on interpreting for them.
• Social/cultural marginalization, linguistic barriers, homelessness, and isolation from the home community. (OVC)

High-Risk Factors for Human Trafficking

Recent Migration Or Relocation; Runaway or Homeless Youth; Child Welfare System Involvement; LGBTQ Youth; Ethnic/Racial Minorities; Substance Use; Mental Health Concerns; Past or Current Emotional, Economic, or Physical/Sexual Abuse; Lack of Nurturing Supports

Thank you for reading,

Bea

After the Civil War, when slavery became illegal, traffickers found many ways to trap innocent people and continue this crime without being detected. So today, when we talk about slavery, we are not talking about the chattel slavery that existed before the civil war. Slaves today are not sold in public auctions but are kidnapped, forced, tricked and coerced to enslavement. The most common types of Human Trafficking are sex trafficking, forced labor, and debt bondage. 

 If you ask, who is at risk, the answer is anyone, of any age, any sex, and any ethnicity can be a victim. Most vulnerable are the runaways, children who have no social or family support, those who lack financial support, gang-related youth, persons with disabilities, ethnic minorities, and immigrants.

Where are the victims? They are among us at the workplace, hospitals, schools, restaurants, hotels, nail salons, massage parlors, and in private homes. If we pay attention to what’s going on around us, in our community, in our neighborhood, we might recognize some of these victims and be able to help rescue them.

So, let us educate ourselves and our children about the dangers of Human trafficking to prevent falling victim to traffickers. Trafficking in-person report 2019, and Polaris Project, gives in-depth information on this subject, along with real case studies. I urge you to read it, educate others about what you learn. Be safe and be aware. 

 Sex Trafficking: lured under false pretenses, women, and children are forced into prostitution

Forced Labor: attracted by promises of good jobs, people find themselves working without pay and suffering physical abuse

Debt Bondage: Become a victim of forced labor as collateral for a loan

According to the International Labor Organization, human trafficking is a $150 billion industry. There are 40.3 million trafficked victims throughout the globe., with 81% of them trapped in forced labor, and 25% of them are children, and 75% are women and girls.

That day in the hospital bed, surrounded by the doctors, I refused to believe their medical diagnosis that I would never walk again. I have survived the fall, given a second chance in life, and it was up to me to take that chance, believe in the miracle, and continue the miracle to walk again. I can’t say it was a comfortable journey, to suffer through the physical confinements, going above and beyond limitations, breaking barriers to believe in the impossible, to believe in the dream of walking again. It took me long painful three years, but I did it! My recovery, my wisdom came with a price. Just like Newton’s Law, I had to pay the consequences for my action: suffer physical pain for the rest of my time. But my physical impairment and pain outweigh the joy of being alive, being able to walk, and, more importantly, believing that I have chosen life over death. I am the miracle, and I will continue to be that miracle to bring hope to others, share my strength to help you believe that nothing is impossible. Believe in yourself and believe in your dream!