MOST RECENT STUDY ON TRAFFICKING IN SPOKANE:
“Study sounds alarm on human trafficking in Spokane area,” The Seattle Times, Originally published May 13, 2008 at 12:00 am Updated May 12, 2008 at 10:37 pm. Available online at https://www.seattletimes.com/seattle-news/study-sounds-alarm-on-human-trafficking-in-spokane-area/
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SIGNS TO LOOK FOR:
● School attendance suffers
● Living situation often changes or schools often change
● Fatigue, loss of memory or trouble keeping facts straight
● Mind racing, overly anxious or irrationally fearful
● New or expensive clothes, jewelry, make-up, cars or addictions
● Tattoos and branding
● Gangs or Gang families
● Older boyfriends or a “Mom’s boyfriend” scenario
● Explicit social media accounts / multiple accounts

ONLINE SAFETY TIPS:
  • Keep profiles PRIVATE!
  • DO NOT accept requests from any users that you do not know.
  • Ask questions!
  • NEVER give out your personal info to strangers on-line or in public forum
  • Disable your “location services” or don’t make them public
  • Ask friends not to tag photos of you on line
  • If someone won’t stop requesting, you or posts inappropriate pictures, or if someone is bothering you - TELL SOMEONE YOU CAN TRUST & REPORT THE INCIDENT

​A list of signs to look for that includes labor trafficking can be found at:
https://polarisproject.org/human-trafficking/recognize-signs

​Trafficking is a complex issue.  It can be DIFFICULT FOR THE SURVIVOR TO REACH OUT.
WHAT'S MORE - there are MYTHS ASSOCIATED WITH SLAVERY & TRAFFICKING, as well as the battle with shame, stigmas, and guilt. IN ADDITION, resources are often either minimal or are attached to spiritual, emotional, or physical leverage - which perpetuates the SURVIVOR'S PRESSURE TO PERFORM.

CHALLENGES FACED IN ADDRESSING TRAFFICKING:
● Shame, guilt and damage from physical and emotional trauma can be hard to overcome
● Safe shelter is difficult to access
● Advocacy & addiction services are expensive or not covered by insurance
● Public conversation is lacking
● Economics & Studies are lacking
● Support in schools is rare - making victims easier to target
● Victims many times do not self-identify
● Building relational trust is difficult
● Trauma-based care isn't widely available
● The "circuit"
● Compassion Fatigue