Virtual Toolkit for Human Trafficking Prevention & Support

UNITED

F R THE

JUNE 2024

FIGHT

DIGITAL TOOLKIT FOR

HUMAN TRAFFICKING PREVENTION AND SUPPORT

UNITED FOR THE FIGHT unitedforthefight@gmail.com

INNOVATIVE AND COLLABORATIVE Brought to you by the Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.© and the Prince George's County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.©

© 2024 All Rights Reserved.

ABOUT THE TOOLKIT

The Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority Inc. and the Prince George’s County Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Inc. have joined together on an important initiative to combat Human Trafficking in Prince George’s County. These two historic organizations have committed to be “United for the Fight” to help end human trafficking in Prince George’s County.

NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE

Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-3737888 24 hours a day.

ABOUT

Human trafficking encompasses both sex and labor and is the second largest and fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world. It is estimated that human trafficking generates billions in profits each year. For this reason, migrant trafficking is increasingly recognized as a form of organized crime.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Introduction

01

Understanding Human Trafficking

02

Signs and Indicators

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Risk Factors and Vulnerabilities

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Prevention Strategies

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Real Stories

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Resources

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Conclusion

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Glossary of Terms

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INTRODUCTION Maryland and Prince George’s Welcome to our Human Trafficking Awareness County are human trafficking Toolkit brought to you by The Psi Epsilon Omega Chapter of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Inc.®, and hot spots because of its The Prince George’s County Alumnae Chapter of proximity to the District of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc.® Columbia and Virginia and access to major transportation The Toolkit has been created to provide you with routes (I-95 and Route 1). valuable information about human trafficking, its There are also many truck impact, and what you can do to help combat this stops and rest stops, bus global issue. Human trafficking is a serious crime that depots, train stations, and affects millions of people around the world, including airports where victims are in Prince George’s County, Maryland. It is important trafficked. The area also that we all take action to raise awareness, prevent offers many conventions, trafficking, and support victims and survivors. events, and tourist attractions, which increase The Toolkit includes a range of resources, including the demand for trafficking an overview of what human trafficking is and how to victims. recognize it, information about the diverse types of trafficking and their impact on victims, as well as strategies for preventing trafficking and supporting victims. It also provides guidance on how individuals can take action to combat human trafficking, including reporting suspected cases and supporting anti-trafficking organizations.

We hope this Toolkit will be a valuable resource for you and that it will empower you to take action and make a difference in the fight against human trafficking. By working together, we can create a world where human trafficking no longer exists and where all individuals are free to live their lives without fear of exploitation or abuse.

Thank you for your commitment to this important cause.

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UNDERSTANDING HUMAN TRAFFICKING WHAT IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING?

A crime involving the exploitation of someone for the purpose of compelled labor or a commercial sex act through the use of force, fraud, or coercion; where a person younger than age 18 is induced to perform a commercial sex act, it is a crime regardless of whether there is any force, fraud, or coercion (22 U.S.C. § 7102).

DID YOU KNOW THAT THERE ARE MANY TYPES OF TRAFFICKING?

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Human trafficking generally falls into two categories: sex trafficking and forced labor. The following are different types of human trafficking.

Sex trafficking and child sex trafficking

Debt Bondage

The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act in which the commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age.

Debt Bondage is a type of forced labor involving a debt that must be paid off through work.

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Forced Labor

Forced Child Labor

Forced labor is “all work or service which is exacted from any person under the threat of a penalty and for which the person has not offered himself or herself voluntarily.”

When a child is under the minimum age of work, any labor may be considered forced labor. Children older than the minimum age of work are considered working in forced child labor if their work is involuntary and they are under the menace of penalty for not working.

Involuntary Domestic Servitude

Unlawful Recruitment

Involuntary domestic servitude occurs when a domestic worker becomes ensnared in an exploitative situation where he or she is not free to leave.

Children are recruited and used in armed conflict as combatants and in support roles. When their recruitment or use is a result of forced fraud, or coercion, then it amounts to trafficking.

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HOW BAD IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING AROUND THE WORLD AND IN MARYLAND?

Global Impact

Globally, human trafficking is a multi-billion-dollar industry affecting millions of people in virtually every country. Countries around the world struggle with both internal and cross-border trafficking. The response involves international cooperation and a combination of stringent law enforcement, victim support, and preventive measures through public education and economic development.

Currently, 49.6 million people are estimated to be trafficked worldwide 35% of the people trafficked are children Human trafficking is the second most profitable illegal industry in the U.S. 50% of the World's Sex trafficking occurs in the U.S. Human trafficking is a $150 billion industry.

Local Impact

In Prince George's County, MD, human trafficking remains a significant issue, with both sex and labor trafficking being present. The County's strategic geographic location near major cities like Washington, D.C., and its major transportation networks make it a target area for trafficking activities.

Local law enforcement and community organizations actively work to combat this problem through awareness campaigns, educational programs, and collaboration with federal agencies to identify and support victims while pursuing traffickers​​.

The complexity of human trafficking requires coordinated global and local responses that include law enforcement action, public awareness campaigns, and support systems for victims. The use of data and technology also plays a crucial role in understanding and combating trafficking patterns effectively​​.

Sources: https://ourrescue.org/resources/education/human-trafficking-statistics https://www.unodc.org/unodc/en/press/releases/2023/January/globalreport-on-trafficking-in-persons-2022.html https://www.thomsonreuters.com/en-us/posts/human-trafficking/specialreport-human-trafficking-insurance-sector-2024/

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SIGNS AND INDICATORS

DO YOU KNOW HOW HUMAN TRAFFICKERS TARGET YOU?

Everyone has basic needs and traffickers exploit them. Dr. Abraham Maslow’s Theory of Human Motivation and Hierarchy of Needs proposed that human needs are arranged in a hierarchy and that a person must satisfy lower-level needs before progressing to higher-level needs.

Maslow’s model is particularly useful in analyzing how vulnerable individuals can be enticed and trapped in exploitative situations. Those who lack basic needs such as safety and security may be more susceptible to manipulation and coercion as they strive to fulfill these fundamental human requirements.

CLUES

This vulnerability can explain why individuals might enter or remain in harmful situations, including human trafficking and other forms of exploitation. The model provides a lens through which to view the motivations behind human actions, particularly in contexts of vulnerability and exploitation.

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HOW SEX TRAFFICKERS LURE PEOPLE

Many sex traffickers lure victims by providing basic survival needs. They systematically provide distorted versions of higher needs to manipulate victims. Using threats, force and coercion, traffickers exploit the fact that, for many victims, “the life” may be their first experience of ‘family’ and belonging.

MASLOW'S HIERARCHY OF NEEDS

Self-Actualization Esteem Love and Belongingness Safety Physiological Needs

Sources: https://www.doj.state.wi.us/sites/default/files/ocvs/Maslow%20Hand%20out.pdf https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XhbfGo7voB8

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DID YOU KNOW THAT TRAFFICKING BEHAVIORS CAN BE HIDDEN IN PLAIN SIGHT?

Human traffickers often operate in plain sight. They blend into communities and can appear as ordinary citizens, which makes identifying and combating trafficking networks challenging. Here are several ways traffickers manage to hide their operations.

Work Conditions Are you witnessing a person: Experience verbal or physical abuse (particularly from a supervisor), prevented from taking adequate breaks, made to work in unsafe conditions, or forced to meet daily quotas?

Work excessively long and/or unusual hours?

Accept a specific job but feels coerced or forced into a different job?

Appear to be living at their place of work?

Receive paychecks with negative balances or unreasonably low amounts for the pay period? Is the employer or someone else: Creating debt for the potential victim or adding to a never-ending balance of debt?

Processing payroll infrequently, not giving worker's compensation insurance outlays where mandated, or forcing the potential victim to transfer funds to an employer's account?

Escorting the potential victim to the bank and/or using their bank accounts?

Threatening the potential victim with deportation, arrest, or jail?

In possession of the potential victim's identification, travel documents, money, or cell phone?

Behavior or Physical State Are you witnessing a person: Act fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, or nervous, particularly around their work or someone they know?

Defer to another person to speak for them and avoid eye contact?

Show signs of physical and/or sexual abuse, physical restraint, confinement, or torture?

Show signs of being harmed or deprived of food, water, sleep, medical care, other life necessities, or personal possessions?

Social Behavior of the Trafficker Is someone else: Restricting the potential victim's contact with friends or family?

Limiting the potential victim's social media use and/or stalking or monitoring their accounts?

Preventing the potential victim from socializing or attending religious services?

Preventing children from attending school and forcing them to work?

Holding a large group in one place with poor conditions and limited space?

Constantly watching or accompanying the potential victim?

Threatening the potential victim or their family with harm if they leave or quit work?

Posting harmful content online about the potential victim to compel them to engage in a commercial sex act?

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RISK FACTORS AND VULNERABILITIES COMMON VULNERABILITIES

People you know might be vulnerable to trafficking if they: Have an unstable living situation Have a history of domestic violence Has a caregiver or family member who has a substance abuse issue Are runaways or involved in the juvenile justice or foster care system Are undocumented immigrants Are facing poverty or economic need Have a history of sexual abuse Are addicted to drugs or alcohol GROOMING, EXPLOITATION, AND CONTROL

Traffickers employ a systematic approach to manipulate their victims by gradually earning their trust, fostering dependence, and normalizing the sale of sexual services as both acceptable and necessary. There are typically six steps to this grooming process. The following sections describe the six steps.

Targeting the Victim

Gaining Trust

Traffickers identify a potential victim based on perceived vulnerabilities such as emotional neediness, low selfesteem, economic instability, or familial disruptions. These vulnerabilities make the individual more susceptible to manipulation.

The trafficker presents themselves as a caring and supportive figure, often pretending to be a friend or romantic partner. They spend time building a relationship to gain the victim's trust and confidence.

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Fulfilling a Need

Isolation

Once trust is established, traffickers exploit the victim's vulnerabilities by positioning themselves as a key figure in their life. They may provide them with affection, gifts, money, or drugs, creating a sense of indebtedness.

Traffickers isolate their victims from friends, family, and any support networks. Isolation may be physical, emotional, or both, effectively cutting off any potential help and making the victim entirely dependent on their trafficker.

Creating Dependency

Exploitation

Traffickers will increase the victim's dependency on them for emotional support, sustenance, and identity. This can involve controlling their finances, dictating their physical appearance, and making critical life decisions for them.

Finally, traffickers exploit their victims, coercing them into illegal activities such as sexual services. The victims are led to believe that such activities are normal or necessary and that they are making these choices freely, even though they are being manipulated and controlled.

Sources: https://polarisproject.org/vulnerabilities-and-recruitment/ Child Sex Trafficking Recruitment and Grooming, National Center for Missing and Exploited Children

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Keep an Eye on Your Drink

Traffickers look for opportunities to impair your judgement. This can take the form of buying you drinks that may be laced with drugs or adding drugs to your drink while you are not paying attention. If you lose track of your drink, dump it out.

Be Wary of Instant Love

Traffickers who shower potential victims with attention, affection, and gifts, on their first meeting, are known as “Romeo pimps.” They establish an emotional attachment right away and will ask probing questions to find out if you’re alone.

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PREVENTION STRATEGIES GUIDELINES ON HOW TO STAY SAFE ONLINE AND OFFLINE

Do not at any time attempt to confront a suspected trafficker directly or alert a victim to your suspicions.

Call 911 for emergency situations – threats of violence, physical assault, emergency medical needs, etc.

Call 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-3472423) to report suspicious criminal activity to federal law enforcement.

Highly trained specialists take reports from both the public and law enforcement agencies.

If you are a victim and need help or if you want to find support for a victim, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Call 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733). www.dhs.gov/bluecampaign

Have a Safety Plan

Follow your instincts. Make sure you have a safe way to get home if you need to leave. If you don’t feel safe, go to the bar and ask the bartender to call a cab for you to get home. Stay with the bartender until the cab arrives.

Tell friends and family where you are going and when you expect to return.

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ONLINE SAFETY

Human trafficking has established a presence online through social media and gaming sites. As more people under the age of 18 have established a presence, the opportunities for online abuse have also increased. What you can do to be safe: Never share personal information online.

Don't respond to emails, texts, or messages from strangers.

Use caution when posting or sharing photos.

Don't click links, open attachments, or accept gifts from someone you don't know.

Never agree to meet someone you met online.

Let your parents or another trusted adult know if you need help.

Never post your full name.

Never post your date of birth.

Never post your contact information, including your phone number, email, or address.

Never post pictures that you don't want everyone to see.

Never assume any online communication is private.

Never post information about your school or work.

Never share places or times of where you're going to be.

Never post information about new purchases.

Never add friends you don't really know.

DO enable privacy on all accounts.

MIA’S STORY

See Mia's story about a young girl who meets her trafficker on social media.

Sources: https://www.safewise.com/resources/internet-safety-kids/ https://surviveandthriveadvocacy.org/human-trafficking-and-social-media-safety-forkids/

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BEWARE OF WHAT YOU SHARE ONLINE

Traffickers target people who post in a particular language that could make them vulnerable. Be careful about what you say and who responds.

Social media posts that could draw attention from predators

What teens are posting

Trafficker’s response

“Nobody gets me”

“I understand you”

“I’m sick of being single”

“I love you”

“I’m so ugly”

“I think you’re beautiful”

“How do I look?”

“You could be a model/singer/athlete”

“My life sucks”

“I’ll make your life better”

There's also a secret, coded language lurking within cyberspace that includes the use of emojis and messages that are blatantly visible yet often unrecognized.

Sources: https://www.kgun9.com/news/human-trafficking/secret-codes-and-language-used-bykids-and-traffickers

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WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU OVERSHARE ONLINE?

Cybersmart Detectives explores what could happen when someone reveals too much information online and what to do if it ends up in the wrong hands.

Check out Cybersmart Detectives at https://vimeo.com/140275053 if you think someone might need help.

WHAT ELSE CAN YOU DO?

1. Learn the indicators of human trafficking. Red flags that could alert you to a potential trafficking situation include: Living with employer Poor living conditions Multiple people in a cramped space Inability to speak to individual alone Answers appear to be scripted and rehearsed Signs of physical abuse Under 18 and in prostitution 2. Be well-informed about how human traffickers often target and recruit people. Check out CNN's Freedom Project for information about different forms of human trafficking around the world.

3. Learn how to safely navigate out of suspicious or uncomfortable situations and where to reach out for help at any time.

4. Take action and join or establish a club to raise awareness about human trafficking and initiate action throughout your local community.

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HUMAN TRAFFICKING MYTHS VERSUS REALITY

MYTH

REALITY

When someone is trafficked, they are kidnapped and held against their will.

Being trafficked may be a gradual process. It may take weeks or months of grooming and manipulation by the trafficker before the victim is exploited. Victims may appear to have free will but are often controlled by their trafficker through fear and other forms of mental manipulation. They may not even identify themselves as a victim.

Traffickers are old men who prey on young girls.

The person that lures a youth into a trafficking situation is often one of their peers, a member of their family, or someone they think they trust. Traffickers can be any race, gender or age.

Only girls are sex trafficked.

Youth of all genders are vulnerable to experiencing sex trafficking.

This includes boys, transgender youth, non-binary, and nonconforming youth.

Youth experience human trafficking do not go to school.

Youth who attend school and are involved in community activities are still at-risk for being trafficked. Even during a trafficking experience, a victim may still attend school regularly and participate in their usual programs.

Traffickers target victims they do not know.

In many cases, traffickers target vulnerable people who they already know. Traffickers may target friends, family, or any mutual connections to victims in order to establish contact.

Only undocumented individuals are forced labor victims.

Anyone can be a victim of forced labor. Youth of every race, gender, and immigration status are vulnerable to being forced to work for little or no pay.

Forced labor doesn’t occur in legal or legitimate business settings.

Forced labor takes place in all kinds of businesses and settings, both legal and illegal. A variety of industries, for example illicit massage businesses, domestic work, agriculture, factory work, door-to-door sales crews, bars and restaurants, construction, hospitality, and commercial cleaning services, have uncovered forced labor.

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REAL STORIES

DO YOU THINK HUMAN TRAFFICKING COULD NEVER HAPPEN TO YOU?

View stories of human trafficking survivors who are able to share their stories.

Casandra Diamond

Markie Dell, human trafficking survivor, recounts her experience and her journey healing through the trauma. After trying to reclaim her life, it was the unusual advice from a friend that lead to her healing.

Casandra Diamond shares a harrowing story of her experience inside these modern day brothels: in this raw and honest talk, learn about the systemic issues that enable businesses to operate in plain sight and how you can help to advocate for change.

INSIGHT

Markie Dell

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REAL STORIES Elijah Muhammed

Karla Jacinto

Elijah shares his story of silence, shame, abuse, and ultimately escape from the human trafficking of slave labor. He spent his childhood and early adulthood in a human trafficking cult, that dictated every aspect of his life.

By her own estimate, 43,200 is the number of times Karlo Jacinto was raped after falling into the hands of human traffickers.

Her story highlights the brutal realities of human trafficking in Mexico and the United States.

Survivor Voices of Human Trafficking The Combating Trafficking in Persons Program Management Office presents Survivor Voices of Human Trafficking. We encourage you to read their stories and watch the survivors relate their experiences in the videos.

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DOCUMENTARIES AND MOVIES Black Girl Missing

Black and Missing

When Cheryl gets into an argument with her daughter Lauren over her desire to drop out of college, she initially thinks Lauren is simply ignoring her calls and texts, but Cheryl soon realizes Lauren is missing.

The series follows sisters-in-law and Black and Missing Foundation founders Derrica and Natalie Wilson as they fight an uphill battle to bring awareness to the Black missing person cases that are marginalized.

Sex Trafficking in America

Tricked: The Documentary

This 2019 documentary tells the stories of young women coerced into prostitution and follows one police unit that’s committed to rooting out sexual exploitation.

This character-driven film considers the evolving sex trafficking landscape as seen by the main players: the exploited, the pimps, the johns that fuel the business, and the cops who fight to stop it.

Sex and Money Sex+Money: A National Search for Human Worth is a documentary about the shocking reality of domestic minor sex trafficking in the United States and the rising movement of advocates fighting to abolish it.

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RESOURCES WHERE CAN I FIND HELP? The Survivor Hotline

1-888-261-3665

Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force

1-866-347-2423 or humantrafficking@oag.state.md.us

U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline

1-888-373-7888 or Text "HELP" or "INFO" to 233733 humantraffickinghotline.org

The Black and Missing Foundation, Inc. (BAMFI)

https://blackandmissinginc.com/

Polaris Project

1-888-373-7888 http://www.polarisproject.org/

Human Trafficking Front

561-921-5853 https://humantraffickingfront.org/

The Exodus Road

719-941-9755 https://theexodusroad.com/

The Prince George's County Human Trafficking Task Force

301-883-6170 or 311 https://www.endhumantraffickingpgc.o rg/

The Prince George's County Family Justice Center

301-780-8008 https://pgcfamilyjusticecenter.org/

Love146

203-772-4420 https://love146.org/

Blue Campaign

https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign

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CONCLUSION HOW CAN YOU HELP END HUMAN TRAFFICKING?

Human trafficking remains one of the most heinous crimes, impacting millions of lives across the globe. It is a form of modern-day slavery that involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some form of labor or commercial sex act. Everyone, regardless of their background, can play a crucial role in combating this grave issue by staying informed and vigilant.

The fight against human trafficking is ongoing and requires constant vigilance. By staying informed, educating others, leveraging technology, and collaborating with various organizations fighting this crime, we can build a safer environment for everyone. It's essential for every individual to be aware of the signs of trafficking, report suspicious activities to the authorities, and support organizations that are working on the front lines.

Maintaining safety and promoting awareness are not just acts of civic duty but are moral imperatives that empower us to protect the most vulnerable in society. Let's continue to educate ourselves and others, engage in meaningful conversations, and take actionable steps to eradicate this pervasive crime.

Together, we can make a significant impact in the global fight against human trafficking.

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GLOSSARY OF TERMS Coercion May involve threats of serious harm to or physical restraint against any person; any scheme, plan, or pattern intended to cause a person to believe that failure to perform an act would result in serious harm to or physical restraint against any person; or the abuse or threatened abuse of the legal process (22 U.S.C. § 7102).

Force May involve the use of physical restraint or serious physical harm; physical violence, including rape, beatings, and physical confinement, is often used as a means to control victims, especially during the early stages of victimization when the trafficker breaks down the victim's resistance.

Harboring Sheltering or hiding trafficked persons.

Human Trafficking A crime involving the exploitation of someone for the purpose of compelled labor or a commercial sex act through the use of force, fraud, or coercion; where a person younger than age 18 is induced to perform a commercial sex act, it is a crime regardless of whether there is any force, fraud, or coercion (22 U.S.C. § 7102).

Intimate Partner Violence Physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, and psychological aggression (including coercive acts) by a current or former intimate partner.

Mandated Reporter A person who, because of his or her profession, is legally required to report any suspicion of child abuse or neglect, intimate partner violence, and/or human trafficking to the relevant authorities per federal and state requirements.

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GLOSSARY OF TERMS Recruitment Enlisting persons under false pretenses into a situation in which they may be trafficked.

Smuggling Illegal transportation of consenting individuals across a national border.

Survivor An individual working toward healing in the aftermath of the trauma of being a victim of trafficking.

Traffickers People who are involved in the criminal activity of trafficking in persons. The term does not apply solely to persons convicted of human trafficking offenses but also refers to suspects and arrested and prosecuted persons who, through various means, have come to the attention of the criminal justice system.

Victim An individual who has experienced trafficking; the term "victim" is used when referencing rights or resources that a victim is legally mandated to receive.

Vulnerability Something that makes it easier for someone to be taken advantage of.

Sources: https://www.unodc.org/documents/e4j/Secondary/Human_Trafficking_4_Glossary.pdf https://nhttac.acf.hhs.gov/soar/eguide/common_terminology

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