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​What It Is    VS.   What It Isn’t


  • It is SLAVERY often run by local gangs.
  • It is drugging children and allowing them to be raped as many as 10-30 times a day.
  • It is using fear and intimidation to threaten and control another human being.
  • It is the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world.
  • It is responsible for more than $50 BILLION/Year in revenue. More than Google, Starbucks, and NIKE combined.
  • It is the exploitation of the most marginalized; women, children, homeless, transgender, mentally ill, physically impaired and the elderly
  • It is still growing.  In fact with estimates ranging from 30-40 MILLION victims, in 2017 The US State Dept. reported that globally there were only 14,894 prosecutions and just 9,071 convictions

  • IT ISN'T PROSTITUTION. It isn't voluntary.
  • It isn't about initial consent for a minor, nor is it about payment.
  • It's not a problem just for poor kids.
  • Victims often don't CHOOSE drugs - they are forced.
  • This isn’t a career choice or a way of life.
  • It doesn't only occur underground - many times the cover is a legitimate business.
  • Women aren't the only victims - as many as 1/3 of victims are boys.
  • It doesn't just happen in other countries.  The Urban Institute examined what they call an "underground sex economy" which included 8 U.S. Cities whose "economies" ranged from $39.9 million (Denver) to $290 million (Atlanta)
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/
​
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
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