Signs of Human Trafficking in Schools
According to Exodus Cry and their research on domestic trafficking, it's estimated that 300,000 minors are currently involved in sex trafficking in the United States. These minors are often controlled by traffickers, who force them to perform sexual acts 5-10 times a day.
Contrary to popular depictions like in the movie "Taken," where victims are kidnapped and chained in basements, trafficking usually involves more subtle forms of manipulation and coercion. It can affect anyone, including popular kids, shy students, or someone sitting next to you in math class—it can even happen to you.
It's important to recognize the signs of trafficking and to understand that victims may not always appear distressed or seek help openly. Awareness and vigilance within communities, including schools, are crucial to identifying and supporting victims of trafficking.
UNDERSTANDING THE REALITY OF TRAFFICKING
While there are some socio-economical factors (poverty, domestic abuse, mental health issues, marginalized communities, etc.) that make some kids and teens more likely to be sought out by traffickers, it can happen to anyone. Minors who look for love, understanding, and attention can find it in dangerous places. A ‘new’ older boyfriend who buys her presents, maybe a new ‘cool’ girl, who just started at their school and knows all the best parties. Perhaps it’s a family member or even a friend of a family who does the unthinkable and takes away someone’s freedom.
Based on extensive analysis of numerous case studies on trafficking and teen victims of mental abuse, the prevalence of human trafficking cases involving youth can be attributed primarily to two critical factors:
Lack of Awareness: Many teenagers lack awareness about the risks associated with online interactions with strangers and the dangers of attending events where alcohol and drugs are present. This ignorance leaves them susceptible to exploitation and trafficking.
Vulnerability of Youth: Teenagers are inherently vulnerable, often due to their socioeconomic circumstances. However, more significantly, their quest for acceptance, attention, and affection frequently leads them to seek these in environments that pose serious risks.
These factors underscore the urgent need for comprehensive education and awareness campaigns focused on human trafficking prevention, targeting teenagers who are particularly vulnerable to exploitation.
Victims Story
Jane (name changed) was only 17 when she met a guy online who changed her life. At first, she basked in the attention: the compliments, the seemingly genuine affection, and the flow of expensive presents were flattering. And to be honest, she had waited for something like this. For this type of affection, maybe even love—the movie kind. Mainly because she felt like her parents seemed too busy to notice her, her friends were all on track to get into their chosen schools, and she felt lost. After months of courting- beautiful restaurant, expensive presents, and even an incredible night out at a fancy club- Jane was in love. But then one night her Romeo came to pick her up…with another girl. A bit older than Jane, but still very, very young. They all went out to a house party. The girl pulled Jane into a whirlwind of a night of alcohol, drugs, and dancing until their hearts were up in their throats. At dawn, the girl took Jane to a bedroom. Jane stepped in and was startled by the three guys sitting on a couch. The girl moved Jane’s hair away from her ear and whispered, “It’s ok. You want this.’’ ‘‘It’s so hot. I do it all the time.” “You love Romeo, right? He needs you to do this for him.” “Look at the watch he got you. Everything he has done for you.”
Jane nodded, but her heart throbbed in her ears. She understood, but then again, not really. Her young, innocent mind didn’t grasp that this night would change her life. And not for the better. But she did as she was told and continued for nine months after. She was sleeping with the men she was forced into a room with, taking the physical and emotional abuse of her ‘Romeo,’ who had suddenly turned into another person, a controlling, demanding, terrifying beast. She suffered through it all, dazed in a cloud of fear and shame. All while still going to school, having dinner with her family and even going on family vacations. No one knew.
SIGNS OF TRAFFICKING TO WATCH OUT FOR
IN SCHOOL OR AT HOME
If you notice any of these signs in your friends, schoolmates, or children, it's crucial to take them seriously and take appropriate action:
Unexplained school absences: Look into the reasons behind frequent absences from school or other activities.
Presence of a new and older 'boyfriend' or 'girlfriend': Pay attention to relationships with significantly older individuals, which could be a red flag.
Behavior changes: Watch for sudden changes such as increased withdrawal, paranoia, or being easily startled. These behaviors may indicate underlying distress.
Asking permission for everyday tasks: Notice if they seek permission excessively for basic activities like using the bathroom or eating, which can indicate control by someone else.
Coached and rehearsed answers: Be aware of responses that seem rehearsed or overly controlled, which could suggest manipulation.
Physical marks on the body: Look for unexplained bruises, scars, or scratches that could indicate physical abuse.
Branding or tattoos: Check for unusual tattoos or markings, as traffickers often use these to mark their victims.
Sudden possession of 'wealth': Be cautious if they suddenly have large amounts of cash, expensive items, or hotel keys without a clear explanation.
Multiple phones and social media accounts: If they have secretive behavior around phones or social media accounts, it may indicate hidden communications.
Excessive makeup or 'new persona': Notice if they suddenly wear excessive makeup or dress inappropriately for their age or the situation, which could be to conceal marks or as a coping mechanism.
Wearing exposing clothing: Pay attention if they wear clothing inappropriate for the weather or situation, as it may be a sign of control or manipulation.
Sudden poor health: Monitor for signs of deteriorating health, which could indicate physical or mental distress.
Unusual sexual terminology or behavior: If they use inappropriate sexual language or refer to themselves in a way that seems unusual for their age, it may be a sign of grooming or exploitation.
If you observe any of these signs, it's important to approach the situation with care and seek help from professionals who are trained to handle cases of trafficking and exploitation. Taking swift action can make a significant difference in ensuring their safety and well-being.
WHY DON’T VICTIMS TRY TO ESCAPE?
According to statistics, only 1% of sex trafficking victims escape their horrible situation.
Victims of trafficking often face numerous barriers that prevent them from escaping their situations despite the desire for freedom. Here are some reasons why victims may find it difficult to escape:
Manipulation and Psychological Control: Traffickers exploit victims' vulnerabilities, such as their need for acceptance or fear of reprisal. Victims may develop a dependency on their trafficker, believing they are the only source of support or safety in their new reality.
Threats and Fear: Traffickers commonly use threats of violence against victims or their loved ones to maintain control. This instills a profound fear that leaving could result in harm to themselves or their families.
Isolation: Victims are often isolated from their support networks, making it challenging to seek help or find a way out. Traffickers may monitor and restrict communication, further exacerbating the victim's sense of helplessness.
Physical and Mental Abuse: Many victims endure severe physical and psychological abuse, which can lead to trauma bonding—a psychological phenomenon where victims develop an attachment to their abuser as a survival strategy.
Lack of Awareness or Resources: Victims may not be aware of their rights or available resources for assistance. They may also fear repercussions if they attempt to seek help from authorities or others.
Trauma and Stockholm Syndrome: Victims may experience Stockholm Syndrome, where they develop positive feelings towards their trafficker as a result of prolonged captivity and manipulation.
Complexity of Recovery: Even if victims manage to escape, the journey to recovery involves complex emotional, physical, and legal challenges. The fear of not being believed or supported can also deter victims from coming forward.
WHAT SHOULD YOU DO IF YOU SEE SIGNS OF
HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN SCHOOLS OR AT HOME?
Firstly, check if your school has a protocol for addressing suspicions of human trafficking. It's crucial to inform someone in authority about any concerns you may have. Identifying human trafficking victims, especially minors, can be challenging. As a community, it's important to remain vigilant, observe closely, and speak up when necessary.
CALL THE RIGHT NUMBERS
In the case of an immediate emergency, call your local police department.
Report suspected trafficking crimes to the National Human Trafficking Hotline by calling 1-888-373-7888.
Report sexually abused or exploited minors to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children: 1-800-THE-LOST.
DO NOT try to confront the suspected trafficker yourself or contact the victim’s family if the suspicion is on one of the family members. Always turn first to the authorities, who are trained in these situations.
BE SUPPORTIVE
Harvard University highlights that the most significant factor contributing to children's success is having a stable and supportive relationship with a parent, caregiver, or another trusted adult. Your support and kindness can make a world of difference to a vulnerable child or teenager. It's crucial to consistently remind the kids in your life how important they are and that you're available to listen and help if they ever need support.
By nurturing a positive and open relationship, children are more likely to feel comfortable approaching you if they encounter difficulties or find themselves in abusive situations. Your role as a supportive adult can provide them with the safety and encouragement they need to navigate challenges and seek assistance when necessary.
