HUMAN TRAFFICKING RESOURCES

Things I’ve learned

Human trafficking occurs when a trafficker uses force, fraud, or coercion to compel another person to work or engage in a commercial sex act. While researching human trafficking for my current book, I’ve learned some astonishing facts:

  • Houston, Texas, ranks #1 for sex trafficking cities in the U.S., but trafficking can happen in every community, and victims can be of any age, social status, race, gender, or nationality.

  • Children account for half of the victims of human trafficking. In fact, the average age that a young person becomes involved in sex trafficking is 12 years old.

  • Children are sometimes forced by their traffickers to recruit other children from their own schools.

  • Most modern-day traffickers rely on manipulation and coercion, rather than brute force, to control their victims.

  • An estimated 80% of survivors will be trafficked again after recovery,

Websites

There is a wealth of information and training resources on these websites:

Shared Hope International (a great place to learn more about human trafficking in the United States, internet safety, your state’s policies, and ways to raise awareness in your community)

A21 (where awareness meets action; real survivor stories, expert insights, and practical training)

Blue Campaign (a national public awareness campaign designed to educate the public, law enforcement, and other industry partners to recognize the indicators of human trafficking, and how to appropriately respond to possible cases)

vpnMentor: Helpful Resources for Human Trafficking Victims (a plethora of resources, including hotlines, survivor help, and advice on reporting trafficking)

Books

Renting Lacy: A Story of America’s Prostituted Children
by Linda Smith with Cindy Coloma

This was my first textbook on human trafficking. Based on actual encounters, Linda Smith exposes the underworld of child sex trafficking in America by telling the stories of those who live there.

What You Need to Know About Human Trafficking & Modern Slavery by John Vanek

A nationally recognized authority on the response to human trafficking, along with 18 expert contributors, answers commonly asked questions about human trafficking. This book offers context to complex topics, reviews the challenges involved in fighting human trafficking and assisting victims, and examines head-on the myths and misconceptions related to modern slavery.

It’s Not About the Sex
by John DiGirolamo

True stories of human trafficking from a law enforcement officer, a survivor, a brothel madam, and an advocate.