KELSEYVILLE >> Millions of women, men, young girls and boys around the world are currently victims of human sex trafficking. As codified in the California Penal Code, anyone who deprives or violates the personal liberty of another with the intent to obtain forced labor or services, procure or sell the individual for commercial sex, or exploit the individual in obscene matter, is guilty of human trafficking.
According to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, Human sex trafficking is the largest and fastest-growing business of organized crime and the third largest criminal enterprise in the world. It is the most common form of modern-day slavery. There are an estimated 27 million adults and 13 million children around the world who are victims of human sex trafficking. The Commercial Sexual Exploitation of Children In the U.S., Canada and Mexico estimates that every year, thousands of victims fall into the hands of traffickers and that 293,000 American youths currently are at risk of becoming victims of commercial sexual exploitation. According to the Office on Trafficking in Persons, the majority of these victims are runaway or throw-away youths who live on the streets and become victims of prostitution. These victims can come from homes where they have been abused or from families that have abandoned them, or have been recruited into prostitution through forced abduction, pressure from parents, or through deceptive romantic relationships. Once victims are coerced into human sex trafficking, they are often forced to travel far from their homes and, as result, are isolated from their friends and families. The lifestyle of these victims often revolves around violence, forced drug use, and constant threats.
When the term Human sex trafficking is used, the first images that come to mind are of young girls that are abducted against their will, chained up, beaten and transported to other Countries. This can happen, but the reality is that human sex trafficking is happening right in our own back yards, here in Lake County. The business of human sex trafficking is an organized and violent circuit of crime that is a serious violation of human rights.
Per the U.S Department of Health and Human Services, the average age at which people first become victims of prostitution is 12 to 14; however anyone at any age can be victimized. Women and young girls are susceptible to be sold to traffickers, locked up in rooms or brothels for long periods of time, possibly drugged or terrorized, and raped repeatedly. Abusing the victim’s repeatedly makes it easier for traffickers to control their victims which makes speaking out more difficult due to intimidation or fear against their traffickers, which decreases escape opportunities.
According to the data provided by the center, our very own, County of Lake, has faced multiple cases of Human sex trafficking throughout the past year. Victims in Lake County have faced abuse that constitutes control, physical and mental abusive and rape. Experts state that recognizing possible indicators of human trafficking is a key step in identifying more victims and savings lives. As a community, experts said we have to accept that human sex trafficking is taking place and we need to come together to help end this disturbing epidemic.
By being aware of possible indicators that someone is being trafficked, resdidents may be able to help save a life. Rape Crisis Center Family Advocates at Lake Family Resource Center would like to share with the public a few signs that could be indicators of human sex trafficking:
-A person is disoriented or confused, or showing signs of mental or physical abuse
-Signs of disconnection from family, friends and community organizations
-Signs of having been denied food, water, sleep, or medical care
-Works excessively long and/or unusual hours
-Owes large debt and is unable to pay it off, is not in control of his/her own money
-Not in control of his/her own identification documents
-Lack of knowledge of whereabouts and/or does not know what city he/she is in
-Loss of sense of time
-Not allowed or able to speak for themselves (a third party may insist on being present and/or translation) Coached on what to say; relies on another for answers
-Has numerous inconsistencies in his/her story
-Has large amounts of cash upon them
-Has brandings, markings or symbolic tattoos
Please note that not all indicators above are presented in every human sex trafficking situation, and the presence or absence of any indicators is not necessarily proof of human sex trafficking but that the combination of indicators is something to be aware of. If anyone suspects that someone is being trafficked, confronting suspected traffickers or suspected victims can be dangerous, instead, they are encouraged to notify local law enforcement immediately.
If members of the public have questions about possible human sex trafficking, they can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 as well as utilizing local support with Lake Family Resource Center’s Rape Crisis Center which offers free and confidential services including a 24/7 Community Crisis Line (1-888-485-7733) that connects callers to trained sexual assault advocates. The Rape Crisis Center also provides individual counseling, safety plants, education, hospital accompaniment and law enforcement advocacy for all victims of sexual assault and human sex trafficking.
For more information on Human Trafficking or the Rape Crisis Center, please contact Sheri Young or any sexual assault advocate at (707) 279-0563.
