STOP TRAFFIC The Fight To Abolish Slavery Once Again

What is Human Trafficking? Modern Day Slavery !

Approved at 2010 World Conference Whereas, Human trafficking is destructive to individuals, families, and communities and is fundamentally incompatible with the life given to us by our loving Creator; and

Whereas, Our Eternal Creator weeps for and with those so enslaved and desires for us to act individually and as a church with a worldwide presence through individual and corporate efforts to confront and abolish slavery and end human trafficking; therefore, be it

Resolved, That members of Community of Christ, in organized groups or as a part of their individual stewardship, investigate what resources exist in their area to help them fight slavery and assist victims, and participate in those activities as appropriate given local considerations.

Such activities might include participation in Rescue and Restore Coalitions (in the United States); Rescue and Restore Coalitions (in the United States); groups such as Stop the Traffik, Polaris Project, Not for Sale, and the International Organization for Migration; groups such as Stop the Traffik, Polaris Project, Not for Sale, and the International Organization for Migration; gathering supplies for basic needs like food preparation, toiletries, and basic housekeeping to offer to freed victims through rescue groups; gathering supplies for basic needs like food preparation, toiletries, and basic housekeeping to offer to freed victims through rescue groups;

sponsoring community training on victim recognition; organizing and hosting movies, book clubs, or journal reading to sensitize and educate church members and community members; and be it further

Resolved, That the Human Rights Team identify and recommend resources to assist local congregations and mission centers to advocate for victims, assist with efforts to rescue and restore victims, and prosecute traffickers, and to participate in other appropriate ways to dismantle and abolish this modern day slavery.

International Institute of St. Louis Looking Beneath the Surface Human Trafficking 101

Human Trafficking Mode of Operation Force Fraud Coercion

Trafficking: How it Works Women/children told false promises Some children sold by parents Easier to smuggle people than drugs or weapons Mafias or loosely organized crime networks Hidden in ethnic enclaves and cultural taboos People reusable and resalable

Forms of Recruitment Smuggling networks Employment agencies Maid/ housekeeping/nanny schemes Mail order bride services Internet schemes False modeling agencies Befriending and/or seduction Illegal foreign adoption agencies

People Trafficked For: Domestic Servitude Sex Work Forced Prostitution Marriages/Surrogacy Factory Work Begging International Adoptions Agricultural Work Criminal Activity Restaurant Work Construction Hotel/ Motel Housekeeping Other Informal Labor Sectors

Scope of the Problem Worldwide 600,000 to 800,000 victims trafficked annually across international borders. Estimated 80% of victims are women and girls. 27 million people in slavery around the world. $9 billion business *After drug dealing, human trafficking is tied with illegal arms trade as the 2 nd largest criminal industry in the world and the fastest growing.

Scope of the Problem United States 18,000 to 20,000 victims are trafficked annually into the United States. 750,000 women were trafficked into the US in the last decade. 300,000 to 400,000 US children are victims of the sex trade.

18 Victims of Human Trafficking

Victim Mindset Limited/ no English Unfamiliar with US culture/ systems Confined Fearful and/ or distrustful of authority Unaware that they are a victim May develop loyalty to trafficker Unaware of where they are Fear for safety of family

Vulnerability Destitute Little/ no education Homeless or runaways Prior victims of domestic violence or sexual assault and abuse

Psychology of Control Isolation Dependency Fear Instilled Abuse Shame Culture

Needs of Victims There are four general areas of victim needs: Immediate assistance Housing, food, medical, safety and security, language interpretation and legal services Mental health assistance Counseling Income assistance Cash, living assistance Legal status T visa, immigration, certification

How Many Slaves Work for You? Let’s take the survey:

Victim Rights Safety Privacy Interpretation Information Legal Representation Right to be heard in court Civil compensation Medical assistance Immigration relief Repatriation Case Management Benefits

Where to Look BENEATH THE SURFACE! Migrant or immigrant communities Areas known for prostitution Law enforcement Clinics/doctor’s offices Restaurants Hotels Your own neighborhood

Red Flags Living with employer Poor living conditions Holding of documents Signs of abuse Inability to speak to individual alone Victims living at same premise where they work or driven to and from work Kept under surveillance Submissive and fearful Underpaid or unpaid

What to Do If you think you have come in contact with a victim of human trafficking… if the victim is at risk of imminent harm, CALL 911

What to Do Call the National Hotline This hotline will help you: Determine if you have encountered a victim of human trafficking Identify local community resources to help victims Coordinate with local social service organizations Trafficking Information and Referral Hotline

Communication with Victims Before questioning a potential trafficking victim, isolate individual from person accompanying her/him without raising suspicions. Enlist a trained interpreter who also understands victim’s cultural needs. Importance of indirectly and sensitively probing to determine if person is trafficking victim. SAFETY! SAFETY! SAFETY!SAFETY!

Messages Gaining victim’s trust is an important first step in providing assistance Sample messages to convey: We are here to help you. Our first priority is your safety. If you are a victim of trafficking and you cooperate, you will not be deported. If you are a victim of trafficking, you can get help to rebuild your life safely in this country. We can find you a safe place to stay. We can help get you what you need. We want to make sure what happened to you doesn’t happen to anyone else. You are entitled to help. We can help you get assistance.

How to Get Involved Join an activist organization like Stop the Traffik or the Not For Sale Campaign Organize your congregation to get involved Explore for additional information

How to Get Involved Tell your pastor or youth leader you want to do something about human trafficking and help lead activities in your congregation using the Human Rights Team electronic resource packet – affic affic

Questions and Discussion

The Call He has sent me to proclaim release to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to let the oppressed go free… Luke 4:18