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Look for signs of human trafficking and report them
ENID — It’s a problem that doesn’t garner a lot of attention here. And, it’s one that most people think happens somewhere else or in another country.
It is human trafficking, and it is a problem in this country. A report published by the U.S. State Department Bureau of Justice Statistics indicates the United States is the primary market for the global child sex trade. As many as 1 million of the children annually trafficked in the world are moved and sold in American communities.
That’s a pretty sobering statistic.
Officials with Oklahomans Against Trafficking Humans (OATH) are trying to do something to change the situation, mostly by raising awareness of the problem. Last week, OATH sponsored a professional training session in Enid aimed at training law enforcement, health care workers and social service providers to identify signs of human trafficking, which includes more than just the sex trade.
Some basic signs of human trafficking everyone in the community should be able to use to identify are that victims:
• Have few or no personal possessions.
• Lack knowledge of their community or area.
• Are not in control of their own ID or passport.
• Are restricted or controlled in their communication.
• Show signs of malnourishment or physical abuse.
• Demeanor is marked by fear, anxiety, depression; they are tense or nervous.
• Are unpaid, or are paid very little, and are not in control of their own money.
Anyone who suspects a case of human trafficking should contact the National Trafficking Tip Line at (888) 3737-888.
The fact that human trafficking exists here is hard to imagine, but by working together, we can make a difference.
It is human trafficking, and it is a problem in this country. A report published by the U.S. State Department Bureau of Justice Statistics indicates the United States is the primary market for the global child sex trade. As many as 1 million of the children annually trafficked in the world are moved and sold in American communities.
That’s a pretty sobering statistic.
Officials with Oklahomans Against Trafficking Humans (OATH) are trying to do something to change the situation, mostly by raising awareness of the problem. Last week, OATH sponsored a professional training session in Enid aimed at training law enforcement, health care workers and social service providers to identify signs of human trafficking, which includes more than just the sex trade.
Some basic signs of human trafficking everyone in the community should be able to use to identify are that victims:
• Have few or no personal possessions.
• Lack knowledge of their community or area.
• Are not in control of their own ID or passport.
• Are restricted or controlled in their communication.
• Show signs of malnourishment or physical abuse.
• Demeanor is marked by fear, anxiety, depression; they are tense or nervous.
• Are unpaid, or are paid very little, and are not in control of their own money.
Anyone who suspects a case of human trafficking should contact the National Trafficking Tip Line at (888) 3737-888.
The fact that human trafficking exists here is hard to imagine, but by working together, we can make a difference.
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