YLD spotlight
by katherine e. camadeco, esq.
J
anuary is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security defines human trafficking as the use of force, fraud or coercion for the purpose of labor, services or commercial sex. The U.S. Department of State estimates that as many as 24.9 million people, both adults and children, are being trafficked. In the United States, Florida ranks as the third-highest state where human trafficking takes place. Human trafficking is a crime that hides in plain sight. It robs individuals of their freedom and dignity. It does not discriminate when it comes to its victims; victims can be of any age, race, gender or nationality. And may come from any socioeconomic group. As attorneys, we have contact daily with diverse populations across Southwest Florida. The most important thing any of us can do to fight human trafficking is to educate ourselves on how to spot the signs. The U.S. Department of Homeland
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Or someone who seems to be in control of the situation, e.g., where they go or to whom they talk?
Security has developed an indicator card to help recognize the signs of human trafficking. Does the person appear disconnected from family, friends, community organizations, or houses of worship?
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Does the person appear to be coached on what to say?
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Is the person living in unsuitable conditions?
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Has a child stopped attending school?
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Has the person had a sudden or dramatic change in behavior?
Does the person lack personal possessions and appear not to have a stable living situation?
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Does the person have freedom of movement? Can the person freely leave where they live? Are there unreasonable security measures?
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Is a juvenile engaged in commercial sex acts?
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Is the person disoriented or confused, or showing signs of mental or physical abuse?
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Does the person have bruises in various stages of healing?
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Is the person fearful, timid, or submissive?
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Does the person show signs of having been denied food, water, sleep, or medical care?
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Is the person often in the company of someone to whom he or she defers? LeeBar.org
If you identify any of the indicators, please contact the local Sheriff’s department or Florida Department of Law Enforcement so they can work to identify and rescue victims of trafficking.
Katherine E. Camadeco, Esq. is the President of the Young Lawyers Divsion of the Lee County Bar Association and an attorney at O’Halloran & Simmons, PLLC where she practices in the area of Marital and Family Law.
