Human Trafficking

Human trafficking happens "anytime and anywhere" impacting more than 12 million children and adults worldwide, according to the 2010 U.S. Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report. The International Labour Organization and UNICEF (United Nations Children's Fund) estimate that 1.2 million of these victims are under the age of 18. As many as 17,000 to 20,000 foreign national victims may be lured and exploited here in the United States each year and, with the recognition that any child or youth victimized thorugh commercial sexual exploitation is a victim of a severe form of human trafficking, the number of US citizen victims coud be in tens of thousands. 

Children twelve years old and younger (as young as babies) are included in the numbers exploited and abused by traffickers. When children are trafficked, their right to develop in a nurturing and loving environment is stolen from them. Their right to be free and protected from sexual, physical, and emotional abuse is also stolen. At times, individuals whom they perceive as their protectors and caregivers are the ones that prey on them. The consequences--particularly of sexual trafficking--are far-reaching, extending to an inability of the youngster to ever develop the capacity to trust others and the development of mental and behavioral health issues. Children come into contact with sex traffickers and can remain in human bondage through a variety of mechanisms:  These include organized groups regularly interfacing with foreign national children, peers whose purpose is to serve as an intermediary to gain the trust of a teen who may not have positive community and family connections, pimps, and even family members. 

Protecting children from this horrendous reality starts with awareness. While some trafficked youngsters are already protected through national programs and some are in public child welfare programs, dioceses have a key role to play in helping identify and protect child victims of trafficking. 
 

Indicators of Child Trafficking:

These indicators were compiled through joint efforts of The Anti-Trafficking Program of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops (USCCB) staff and the United Nations Office of Drugs and Crime: 

1. Evidence of sexual, physical, mental or emotional abuse
2. Engagement in work unsuitable for children
3. Identification/documents confiscated by employer or someone else
4. Isolation: no access to family members or friends
5. Not in school or significant gaps in schooling
6. Threats against family members
7. Working unusually long hours, no access to their wages, and/or little if any time off
8. Living in the workplace or with employer
9. Have tattoos or other marks indicating ownership by their exploiter- ("branding")
10. Children owing large sums of money
11. Appear unusually fearful or anxious for themselves or family members

1. Contact your local law enforcement or child protection authorities in accordance with your state's mandatory child abuse/neglect reporting laws. Many cases of trafficking may be prosecuted as child abuse, and vice-versa, depending on local laws. Law enforcement and child welfare agencies cross-report in most jurisdictions; however, it is a good idea to contact both. Keep in mind that if you are a mandatory reporter, many state laws require that you directly report suspected child abuse and neglect and that you cannot give the responsibility to report to another person.
2. Call the National Trafficking in Persons Information and Referral Hotline 1-888-373-7888 (funded by the Department of Health and Human Services/Office of Refugee Resettlement) for technical assistance, and to access servies in your area. 
3. Call the national Trafficking in Persons and Worker Exploitation Task Force complaint line 1-888-428-7581 (sponsored by the U.S. Departments of Justice and Labor) to begin an investigation of a suspected case by federal law enforcement authorities. 
4. Call the USCCB Anti-Trafficking Services Program 1-202-541-3357 for consultation, technical assistance. 

• State of California Human Trafficking page
• California Legislation found here: https://oag.ca.gov/human-trafficking/legislation
• Human Trafficking in America's Schools PDF Guide 
• The White House has issued a Presidential Proclamation for January- National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month, 2020 
• United Nations: July 30, World Day Against Human Trafficking, Link
  • Cabin crew to be better equipped to prevent human trafficking, Link

• A21       
• Operation Underground Railroad 
• New York: GEMS
• Bay Area: 
  •  Helping young people in Oakland, Alameda County, and throughout the state of CA: MISSSEY
  • San Francisco Collaborative to End Human Trafficking SFCEHT 

• Vatican criticizes lack of prosecutions for human trafficking. News Link. 
• Bishops call for prayers for victims on World Day Against Human Trafficking. News Link. 
• Sisters shine a light on modern-day slavery. News Link. 
• Parish foot soldiers combat human trafficking in city hotels. News Link. Excerpt: "....According to Gail Priestly, the San Francisco Police Department has been candid with the faith community about lacking the resources to do this work. “So we are collaborating with them and also this larger body of people of faith,” she said. “The police chief said we need your help,” Yanish said. “We need churches to help us enforce these laws.” "
• Fed grants for Human Trafficking victim Housing. Podcast Link. 
• Relevant Radio podcast Link on Sex Human Trafficking