How to Prevent Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery where perpetrators profit from the sexual exploitation and/or forced labor of men, women and children. It is a violation of basic human rights, and it is also a crime as defined by U.S. federal law and California state law.

Sex trafficking is the exploitation of a person by means including coercion or deceit to engage in commercial sexual activity, prostitution, exotic dancing, or pornography. When the victim is a minor under the age of 18 years old, sex trafficking does not require force or coercion. Minors cannot legally consent to sexual activity.

Labor trafficking is the exploitation of a person by means including coercion or deceit for labor services. Labor trafficking victims are often forced into domestic servitude, construction, restaurant, agricultural, massage parlors, or sweatshop factory work with little or no pay.

You can help prevent human trafficking by:

• becoming aware and educate yourself as to the facts and myths of human trafficking.
• supporting legislation that holds perpetrators accountable and promotes dignity for victims.
• supporting and encouraging schools and universities to educate their teachers, counselors, health providers and staff about this topic.

Victims of human trafficking seldom report and often do not self-identify as victims. If you suspect that someone is a victim of human trafficking or if you have information about a potential trafficking situation, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888 or text BeFree (233733). To learn more about human trafficking and how you can help, visit www.FightHumanTraffickingSD.com.

Source: San Diego District Attorney