Do you know who made your clothes? No, not the company, the person. What about your coffee? Yes, I know the person behind the counter put the cream and sugar in it, but who actually made your coffee? What about your chocolate? Do you know who cleans your neighbor's house?
Unfortunately, many of these products and services are produced or carried out by victims of human trafficking. I had the honor of speaking with my cousin Darci Flynn, the Midwest Regional Manager at the Heartland Alliance, about this issue.
What is human trafficking? (I know the answer to this, but I want to hear yours.)
"Human trafficking is exploitation, a violation of human rights—it is modern-day slavery. It occurs when an individual is compelled through force, fraud or coercion for the purposes of forced labor or commercial sex. It is important to understand that per Federal law (Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act) any minor under the age of 18 who is engaged in commercial sex is automatically considered a victim of human trafficking and does not need to prove force, fraud, or coercion. Adult victims of sex trafficking and minor and adult victims of labor trafficking must prove force, fraud or coercion."
What are tactics people use to force someone into being trafficked?
"Some examples of force, fraud and coercion:
Isolation/confinement,
Physical or sexual assault,
Taking documentation,
Lying about conditions of the work,
Lying about where an individual will live,
Threats of violence against the victim and/or his/her loved ones,
Threats of deportation."
Who can become a victim of human trafficking?
"Anyone. A victim can be a US citizen, lawfully permanent resident, immigrant or undocumented person. A victim can be adult or a minor. A victim can be male, female or identify as LGBTQ. A victim can be victimized in the commercial sex industry or through forced labor in industries such as (but not limited to) agriculture, domestic servitude, restaurants, hotels, nail or hair salons, strip clubs and factory work."
Why do you think no one is talking about this issue?
"People are talking about this issue. It is a bi-partisan issue that everyone can agree is heinous and needs to be addressed. However, most people talk about it solely has sex trafficking and, even further, sex trafficking of US-born children. Yes, that is happening at significant rates, it is human trafficking, and it is heinous. But it is also happening in legitimate and illegitimate industries as forced labor. In fact, the International Labor Organization (ILO) states there are more labor trafficking victims than sex trafficking victims globally. If we care about one, we must care about all."
How can I tell if someone is a victim of human trafficking, and what can I do to stop the situation?
"As an 'average' citizen, it can be difficult to identify signs of human trafficking in your day-to-day life. If you get your nails done, strike up a casual conversation with the nail artist to see what he/she likes to do on weekends, how often does she work, etc. If you’re staying in a hotel, try to strike up a conversation with the person who is coming in to clean your room. If you notice a massage parlor open at 11 p.m., or a hair braiding salon open late, that may be a red flag, too. Always listen to your gut and you can call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center (NHTRC) at 1-888-373-7888 to report any suspicious activity. This can be an anonymous tip and you will not be held accountable if it does not pan out. Never try to remove a potential victim from the situation—it is dangerous for both you and the victim. Plus, where will you take him/her? Rescuing a victim without a valid plan can be detrimental to their safety, health, and well-being. Always call the NHTRC and ask for help."
What are other things that are important to know about the human trafficking industry?
"When a victim is able to leave their trafficking situation, they are not 100 percent OK. This is a critical tipping point in their life as they need support and resources and have a right to have their rights protected. Victims need safe, affordable housing, education opportunities, employment opportunities, comprehensive healthcare, [the] certainty that their basic needs (food, water, clothing, safe shelter) are going to be met and free legal services. It is a myth that everything is perfect once they escape and it takes a village to address the needs of victim/survivors across this country."
Human trafficking is a serious issue. Instead of freaking out about a Starbucks cup, we should be discussing issues like sex and labor trafficking more. We should be researching where and how are products are produced. We stand up for those who can't.
Special thanks to Darci Flynn and The Heartland Alliance.
