HUMAN TRAFICKING...SCOPE OF THE PROBLEM:Trafficking in persons is a modern day form of slavery. According to the 2005 Trafficking in Persons Report, 600,000 to 800,000 people are trafficked across international borders each year. The United States Department of Justice estimates 18,000 to 20,000 people are trafficked into the United States each year. Internationally, there are many groups working to combat human trafficking. The United States is a recent entrant to this struggle. Aside from producing the most comprehensive analysis of trafficking in persons, the United States has been VICTIMS OF TRAFFICKING HAVE RIGHTSNo one can legally force a person to work against his or her will. Victims of trafficking in the United States are entitled to protection and assistance, including:
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HUMAN TRAFFICKING IS A CRIME UNDER THE UNITED STATES LAWThe Trafficking Victim Protection Act (TVPA) passed in 2000, served to broaden the definition of trafficking to include a wide array of exploitation, defining severe forms of human trafficking as:
WHO IS TRAFFICKED?Men, women, and children can fall victim to human trafficking. Trafficked persons originate from countries around the world but can also be United States citizens. They are forced to work in the sex industry or in labor situations such as domestic servitude, manufacturing, construction or migrant agricultural work.
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WHERE TO FIND VICTIMS
Throughout the United States and more specifically Santa Clara County, we have only scratched the surface in terms of identifying victims of trafficking. In order to properly identify victims, it is important to remember that victims are not always transported from abroad, but that they may also be United States citizens, or victims being domestically trafficked.
IMPORTANT QUESTIONS TO ASK
What to ask when you suspect a person is a victim of human trafficking.
- What type of work do you do?
- Are you being paid?
- Can you leave your job if you want to?
- Can you come and go as you please?
- Have you or your family been threatened?
- What are your working or living conditions like?
- Where do you sleep and eat?
- Are there locks on your doors or windows so you cannot get out?
- Do you have to ask permission to eat, sleep, go to the bathroom?
- Has your identification or documentation been taken from you?