Start here: understanding human trafficking

By: Abby Glaser
​Encompass Community Advocate

This month our theme at Encompass is “start here!” This month is also Human Trafficking Awareness month! Considering that, I’d love to take a few moments to give you some info on human trafficking. I’ve worked with trafficking survivors for over 20 years now and serve on the Miami Valley Human Trafficking Coalition, so this issue is near to my heart. While the topic has gained more attention in the past few years, a lot of information floating around is often false. So, let’s start with a brief understanding of what human trafficking is.  

• What is human trafficking?  US law defines it as the use of force, fraud or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts, labor or services against his or her will. The one exception involves minors and commercial sex. Inducing a minor into commercial sex is considered human trafficking regardless of the presence of force, fraud or coercion. Minors cannot consent to commercial sex acts. 

• How prevalent is it? Trafficking is notoriously underreported. In 2021 alone the National Human trafficking hotline received over 51,000 calls. Ohio is sixth in the nation for highest rates due to the crossing of two major interstate highways.  

• Who is most at risk? Human trafficking can happen to anyone, but some people are more vulnerable than others. Risk factors include recent migration or relocation, substance use, mental health concerns, involvement with the children welfare system and being a runaway or homeless youth. Often, traffickers identify and leverage their victims’ vulnerabilities to create dependency.  

 

• How does it work? Traffickers employ a variety of control tactics, the most common include physical and emotional abuse and threats, isolation from friends and family, and economic abuse. They make promises aimed at addressing their target's needs to impose control.  As a result, victims become trapped and fear leaving for myriad reasons, including psychological trauma, shame, emotional attachment, or physical threats to themselves or their family. 

The most common question I get is how to get involved? There are several ways you can use your resources to help combat human trafficking!  

• Learn the signs and report it if you suspect it! You can do so by calling the 24-hour National Human Trafficking Hotline  at 1-888-373-7888 or report an emergency to law enforcement by calling 911. 

 

• Volunteer and support anti-trafficking efforts in your community , either with your time or donations! Please reach out to us if you need suggestions of local organizations! 

 

• Become a mentor to a young person or someone in need. Traffickers often target people who are going through a difficult time or who lack strong support systems. As a mentor, you can be involved in new and positive experiences in that person’s life during a formative time. 

 

• Parents and Caregivers: Learn how human traffickers often target and recruit youth  and who to turn to for help in potentially dangerous situations. Host community conversations with parent teacher associations, law enforcement, schools, and community members regarding safeguarding children in your community. 

For more tips on what you can do, visit 20 ways to help fight human trafficking.  While the issue of human trafficking can feel overwhelming and hopeless, there are things we can be doing to stop it!  ​