Human Trafficking Prevention

January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month. Not a topic most of us want to think about, but it is an important one to be aware of. The established “national month” for this topic is a good time to educate yourself and learn what you can do to help prevent it and protect your family.

What Is It?

Trafficking covers many activities, but in general it occurs when behavior is coerced from a vulnerable person using force or fraud. The behavior may include sexual exploitation or forced labor using threats of injury or abandonment. You may not realize that trafficking may be occurring close to where you live, even if it’s “in a nice part of town.” Large cities, especially in California, Texas, Florida and New York, are major hubs for this illegal activity. Commonly the recruiting and “grooming” starts with conversations online. 

Protect Your Family

Traffickers prey on vulnerable populations including immigrants, runaways and other socially isolated individuals. In actuality though, anyone can become a victim. This is why awareness and prevention are crucial. The most important way to protect your children is to let them know they are loved. Provide them with a secure and safe space to live. Traffickers lure kids and teens with promises of friendship and gifts, then try to separate them from their families. Kids with strong family ties that have a safe adult they can talk to are less likely to be won over. Talking with your children about the dangers of online contacts and how trafficking starts is a great way to protect them as well.

What Can I Do?

Stay alert in public and notice if you think a situation seems suspicious. Your instincts could be signaling a case of trafficking. It may be a young female with signs of abuse or acting fearful of her companion. Or it could be a domestic worker that is not allowed to leave the premises. Forced labor can occur in private homes, at nail salons, restaurants, construction and landscaping companies to name a few.

If you suspect someone is being coerced and held against their will, try to get them alone. Ask if they need help without alerting their companions. If that isn’t possible, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline to report your suspicions. To be most helpful, provide as much detail as possible like the person’s location, name, name of the business or employer. Providing any other memorable facts could help law enforcement track down the individuals.

We at Cultris Security care about our customers and our community. Contact us at 281-506-8466 or online to help with your home or business security needs.

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