Human Trafficking & Modern-Day Slavery

Human trafficking is the fastest-growing criminal industry in the world, with the total annual revenue for trafficking in persons estimated to be between $5 billion and $9 billion USD. The United Nations estimates nearly 2.5 million people from 127 different countries are being trafficked around the world.

 

What Is It?

Human trafficking is the practice of people, primarily women and children, being tricked, lured, coerced or otherwise removed or abducted from their home or country, and then compelled to work with no or low payment or on terms which are highly exploitative. The practice is considered to be trade or commerce in people, which has many features of slavery, and which is illegal in most countries. The victims of human trafficking can be used in a variety of situations, including prostitution, forced labor (including bonded labor or debt bondage) and other forms of involuntary servitude. The sale of babies and children for adoption or other purposes is also considered to be trafficking in those children.

Awareness Is Key

Human trafficking takes place in the shadows of society, so it is difficult to stop and catch those who are trafficking women and children and even more difficult to prosecute them. But awareness is key. To be aware of our surroundings.

Some Practical Steps

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) may apply to you.
This law helps people who are forced, coerced or tricked into labor or commercial sex work. It is for both legal U.S. citizens and for illegal immigrants. Victims of human trafficking are often doing different work than they were originally promised. It may be sex work, maid service, construction, sewing, restaurant work and more. Many were hoping for a better life in the United States, but now find themselves trapped. There is help!
Call: 1.888.3737.888

If you are suspicious about a workplace environment:
» Hold your identification?
» Fail to pay you?
» Physically harm you?
» Force you to work for him until you  pay a debt?
» Threaten you or your family?
» Threaten you with deportation?
» Make you perform sex acts?

The TVPA provides victims of human trafficking assistance with:
» Legal status in the U.S.
» Housing or shelter
» Health care
» Employment
» English language training
» Mental health
» Services for victims of torture

Hotlines

If you or someone you know needs help leaving a boss who harms, controls or threatens you, call:
» Human Trafficking Information and Referral Hotline:1-888-373-7888
» Rescue and Restore Hotline: 1.888.373.7888
» Emergency: Call 911

Web Resources

» Stop The Traffick
» Not For Sale
» One Voice To End Slavery

Check out our friends at NightLight providing relief to many in Bangkok:

» Nightlight International

Check out Exodus Cry, a Prayer Movement to End Slavery in our Day:

» Exodus Cry