Human Trafficking It's Real. It's Happening. Right Here.

What Is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is illegal exploitation of a person through force, fraud, or coercion. It takes the form of:

• Sex Trafficking
• Forced Labor
• Domestic Servitude

Human trafficking is not specific to age, race, or gender. It occurs in rural, suburban, and urban areas across Missouri. For minors (under age 18), force, fraud, or coercion doesn't need to exist — if they are involved in commercial sex, it's human trafficking.

Things to Know About Human Trafficking

• Nearly 80% of human trafficking is for sex, and 19% is for labor exploitation.
• More than 60% of trafficking victims are female.
• In 2019, one in six reported runaways in the U.S. were likely a victim of child sex trafficking.
• Child sex trafficking has been reported in all 50 states.
• The average age of child sex trafficking victims reported missing to the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is 15 years old.
• Trafficking victims will "recruit" other victims and commit other crimes at the compulsion of their trafficker.
• Victims oftentimes do not see themselves as victims, and rarely "cry out" for help.
• Victims often have a "bond" with their trafficker, and feel they love/care for them.

Who Is At Risk?

Trafficking victims likely have compounding vulnerabilities, such as:

• Low self-esteem or homelessness
• Family breakdown or poverty
• Abuse/neglect or addiction
• Truancy or a combination of factors
• Disability

Runaways and foreign nationals are particularly vulnerable to becoming victims of human trafficking.

How Does It Happen?

Traffickers seek out those who are vulnerable and use their vulnerabilities to gain control. They may offer a job, promise a modeling career, or offer a relationship filled with "love." Victims are often coerced into sexual acts "one time," to pay bills or pay back debt. Once this happens, the relationship quickly changes to one of manipulation and control with violence often following.

What Are Some Signs?

Signs of trafficking are not always obvious, and may include:

• Abrupt change in attire, behavior, or relationships
• The presence of an older "boyfriend" or "girlfriend"
• Unexplained school absences
• Traveling with an older male/female who isn't a guardian
• Sudden presence of expensive material possessions
• Signs of psychological coercion, such as depression, anxiety, and/or an overly submissive attitude
• Lack of control over schedule, money, and/or identification
• Physical trauma (bruises, cuts, burns, scars)
• Poor health, as evidenced by sexually transmitted diseases, malnutrition, or serious dental problems
• Coached/rehearsed responses to questions
• Uncharacteristically promiscuous behavior or references to sexual situations beyond age-specific norms
• Tattoos or other branding marks
• Substance abuse or addictions, selling drugs
• Chronic running away or homelessness

If you notice any of these behavioral indicators, start paying closer attention to your loved one.

How to Protect the Vulnerable

• Help your loved one develop and maintain self-esteem and healthy relationships. Create open lines of communication and stay involved.
• Know with whom your child is spending time.
• Monitor your child's electronic activity to include internet use, emails, and social media accounts.
• Create your own social media account and follow/friend them. Know what they are looking at and with whom they are communicating.
• Be able to locate your child at all times. There are apps and wireless provider services available for this.
• Routinely talk with your child about the dangers of social media.
• Remind your child to not give out personal information or share pictures.
• Pay attention to your child. Trust your instincts and ask questions if something seems different.
• Be aware of what's happening in your community/schools.

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