What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is a crime in which people profit from the control and exploitation of others. Human trafficking is a multi-billion-dollar criminal industry that involves force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.
Where is Human Trafficking Occurring?
It is happening in the United States of America in all 50 states and all around the world. It happens in both rural and urban areas. Ohio ranks as one of the top states for number of calls made to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. Ohio has one of the largest interstate systems in the nation, making it easier for traffickers to transport victims.
Warning Signs
All Ohioans can play a role in combating human trafficking by reporting suspicious activity. While not an exhaustive list, these are some key red flags that could alert you to a potential trafficking situation that should be reported:
Sex trafficking
The potential victim:
- Appears submissive, fearful or nervous.
- Is not in control of identification documents or money.
- Has inconsistent or well-rehearsed story about where he/she lives, the relationship with the person he/she is with or how he/she traveled to the current location.
- Is inappropriately dressed for weather, location or age.
- Is in presence of an overtly controlling or concerned male or female friend or boyfriend/girlfriend.
- Is in possession of multiple hotel key cards, prepaid credit cards or cellphones.
- Shows signs of physical, mental or emotional abuse.
- Is unable to come and go as he/she pleases.
Labor trafficking
The potential victim:
- Appears to live at the place of employment.
- Is transported in a group by the employer or someone who is part of employer’s organization.
- Experiences restricted or monitored movement.
- Is not in control of identification documents.
- Earns wages below the state’s minimum wage.
- Is constantly indebted to the employer.
- Shows signs of physical abuse, isolation and starvation.
- Works long hours in poor conditions.
Remember:
Don't approach traffickers. Allow law enforcement to deal with traffickers and recover victims. Approaching traffickers is dangerous for you and the victims. Also, anyone using their CMV to commit to a felony involving a severe form of human trafficking will receive a lifetime CDL ban. All 50 states and DC have a law criminalizing sex trafficking. Some states punish purchasers the same as sex traffickers, and 31 states have a buyer applicable trafficking law prohibiting mistake-of-age defense in prosecutions for buying commercial sex act with any minor under 18.