11 Human Trafficking in the United States: What Can YOU Do to Help?

About the Author

Morgan Holbrook was born in Walnut Creek, California, and moved to Provo, Utah, when she was eleven years old. She is a junior studying to be a nurse. She loves all things active, including running, skiing, roller skating, and volleyball.

This essay was composed in December 2021 and uses MLA documentation.

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WE HAVE HEARD THE STORIES; we have seen the signs in the airport bathrooms: “Get Help, call 888-3737-888 if you are a victim of human trafficking.” We have even watched it in the theaters during Marvel Studios’ recent release, Black Widow, and the cinematic series Taken, featuring a father fighting to save his victim daughter. We know what human trafficking is, and we are aware that it is happening in the world; however, many people do not believe it is happening around them or that they can do anything to make a difference.

I went twenty-one years without meeting anyone that—to my knowledge—was a victim of human trafficking. The first victim I met was a thirteen-year-old at a small government-run girl’s home in Costa Rica; I had been volunteering there for just over two weeks when one of the girls started to open up about her past. It was heartbreaking hearing her story. Her first exposure to that sick world was from her parents; they sold her for a few extra bucks. She was passed around from place to place until she was finally rescued and placed in the home where I met her. Forty girls between the ages of 12 and 18 were in that orphanage with similar stories, and I have since learned that over 20,000 cases of human trafficking are reported in the United States every year. By learning to recognize the signs of human trafficking and how to report it properly, and through supporting anti-trafficking organizations, we can help decrease the number of human trafficking cases per year.

Human trafficking is defined as

the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain labor or commercial sex. Commercial sex is defined as the exchange of any sexual act for something of value, including money, shelter, or protection. (Gibbs et al.)

Lack of reporting makes it difficult to provide accurate numbers of human trafficking instances; in fact, many victims never come forward due to fear of their traffickers or law enforcement. Although one’s intuition may say that law enforcement will protect the victims, several hundred cases exist of victims being penalized for underage drinking or use of illegal substances during their time as a victim (Reid et al.). Despite the issue of underreporting, at any given time, approximately eight million children and adolescents are victimized in juvenile human trafficking globally. Nearly six million of these youth are involved in labor trafficking, while two million are exploited for commercial sex activities (Reid et al.).

Rates of human trafficking increase during an economic crisis. For example, during the recession of 2008, human trafficking cases in the United States skyrocketed (Charles). As people lose their jobs, money becomes scarce, and people become desperate, and they are driven to do all they can to get by. Black markets thrive in these circumstances, and people become more willing to sell what is illegal to obtain any form of income. These circumstances lead to people selling not only themselves but also leads to parents selling their children or other family members for monetary compensation. It is estimated that up to 44% of all trafficking survivors were originally involved through a family member (Raphael). In early 2020, due to the wide-ranging effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the United States suffered the highest rates of unemployment since the Great Depression. The national average for unemployment reached 14.8% in April of 2020, with some states reaching up to 29%, and unfortunately, this recent financial crisis has caused an increase in the amount of human trafficking seen in the United States (“Current Unemployment Rates”). From December 2019 to December 2020, the city of Los Angeles experienced a 185% rise in human trafficking cases (Nzinga). Additionally, the COVID-19 pandemic has caused a shift in funds from government organizations against human trafficking towards financial relief programs instead (Hansler).

It is difficult to comprehend the greatness of this issue when many lack personal experiences or witnesses of these events. Utah is often thought of as a safe place, or a “bubble,” some people may say, that is separated from the dark and terrible things happening worldwide, including human trafficking. However, because Utah is geographically positioned at the “crossroads of the West,” it is theorized that thousands of trafficking victims are transported through the state, and hundreds are victimized within the state itself (“Be the One in Utah’s Fight against Human Trafficking”). Human trafficking is a market that thrives in the background and the shadows. If we do what we can to bring it to light, we could significantly decrease the amount of trafficking in our communities. Every person can do at least four things: 1) get informed, 2) pay attention, 3) report human trafficking, and 4) support anti-trafficking efforts (“Human Trafficking Archives”).

Getting informed requires educating ourselves and those around us about the abundance of human trafficking in our community and how to recognize it. In a study done by Alliant International University, 70% of people incorrectly stereotype what victims of human trafficking look like (Clagett). It is not possible to describe a single profile of either a human trafficker or a human trafficking victim. Everyone may be at risk—regardless of their age, race, or gender identity—of becoming a victim. However, through extensive research done based on the statistics of various states’ reported trafficking cases, characteristics of a person’s life may make them more susceptible to being captured and involved in trafficking.

A study focusing on profiling human trafficking victims states that 75% of victims have experienced some form of childhood maltreatment, the greater part of these also having been previously involved in the child welfare system (Baird et al.). It is estimated that globally, 70% of victims are under the age of 18, and 65% of victims are female (“Global Report of Trafficking in Persons”). In Utah, on the other hand, the statistics vary from the global average. Utah remains consistent with the world in that about 68% of victims are females, however, it is estimated that human trafficking victims being transported through Utah are 81% adults and only 19% youths (“Human Trafficking is Happening in Utah”). Additionally, the Be the One campaign in Utah has identified some common indicators of trafficking victims:

• Recruited with false promises
• Signs of untreated illness or injuries
• Juvenile exchanging sex acts to meet basic needs
• Works excessive hours for little or no pay
• Does not have possession of legal/travel documents
• Controlled/restricted communication/fearful
• Older boyfriend/girlfriend/companion
• Unable to speak separately or alone
• Allegedly owes money to employer
• Tattoos/branding on the neck and/or lower back
• Possession of unusual items such as hotel keys

Another identifier of a trafficking victim is watching for a child who looks fearful, uncomfortable, or cowers in the presence of their adult guardian (Gerassi et al.). Often people imagine a trafficker as an offensive-looking man. This stereotype often holds true in the United States; however, in a report done by the United Nations from information gathered from 155 countries, women trafficking women is of greater prevalence in countries such as Georgia and Latvia, reaching up to 86% of reported cases (“Global Report of Trafficking in Persons”). Therefore, although many traffickers may fit under a certain stereotype, it is important to remember that not all questionable-looking men are traffickers, and not all women are innocent. It is more accurate to look for indicators in behavior, such as the victims looking scared or the traffickers looking controlling than it is to just look for trafficking instances solely based on appearances.

After becoming more aware of the prevalence of human trafficking in the United States and what to look for in victims, the next steps are to pay attention to what you see and report anything suspicious. Utah’s Be the One campaign states that “traffickers rely on the general public not asking questions, not recognizing red flags, and simply looking the other way” (“Be the One in Utah’s Fight against Human Trafficking”). It is our responsibility to recognize potential human trafficking situations and report them immediately; even if we are not positive that it is a human trafficking situation, it is better to report it and be wrong than leave it unreported and risk somebody’s life.

In order to report a human trafficking situation or call in a tip, the United States Department of Homeland Security says that for the safety of the public as well as the victim, you should not confront a trafficker nor alert the victim of your activity. If you recognize human trafficking identifiers in a situation, the best course of action is to immediately call 911, Federal law enforcement (866-347-2423), or the National Human Trafficking hotline (888-373-7888). Another option is to text “HELP” or “INFO” to BeFree (233733) or Google “ICE tip form” and fill out the information on their reporting document (“What is Human Trafficking?”). While speaking to a trained human trafficking advocate on the phone, they will ask you questions regarding the situation you are observing and about yourself to ensure the tip they are receiving is legitimate. They will then follow a course of action to locate and take care of the situation at hand; resources such as safety planning and emotional support will then be provided to the person who called in the tip if desired. It is estimated that only 14-18% of trafficking instances get reported (“Gaps in Reporting Human Trafficking”). Increasing this number to even 50% could save thousands of victims each year.

In addition to being aware of and reporting possible trafficking instances, it is also important to support anti-trafficking campaigns and organizations. The Blue Campaign is a national government organization under the Department of Homeland Security that is designed to educate the public about human trafficking and how to respond properly. They have dedicated January 11^th as #WearBlueDay. Blue is the national color of human trafficking, and they promote wearing blue and sharing it on social media at least this one day a year to raise awareness of trafficking in America (“What is Human Trafficking?”). In Utah, the Be the One Campaign provides multiple ways for the community to help fight human trafficking. In addition to raising awareness and educating the public, they also provide opportunities for citizens to volunteer, organize fundraisers, donate to anti-trafficking organizations, become a mentor to a young person in need, or the opportunity to meet with and/or write public officials concerning trafficking in Utah (“Be the One in Utah’s Fight against Human Trafficking”).

There are also programs designed to help victims after they have been rescued or escaped from their traffickers. Nearly 100% of victims suffer from post-traumatic stress syndrome, anxiety, depression, sexually transmitted diseases, addiction, and a variety of other physical and psychological ailments for the rest of their lives (Hemmert). Jennifer O’Brien, a researcher who interviewed several human trafficking victims, found that they all agreed their experiences as a victim made it extremely difficult to cultivate healthy relationships with anyone after escaping their trafficker (O’Brien). Across the nation, there are many government-run and privately owned care facilities for human trafficking victims, however, Utah currently has none. A team of anti-trafficking advocates in Utah is now working hard to open the Aspen House: Utah’s first-ever non-profit home for human trafficking victims to live and thrive in a safe, nurturing environment (“Aspen Magdalene House”). We can help support organizations like this by giving monetary donations of any size, allowing them to continue providing their services without cost to those in need.

Another effective way to show support for human trafficking victims is by being aware of local legislators who advocate for victims of human trafficking and support bills that help victims and enact greater punishment for traffickers (Barclay). In 2003, only two states had legislation aimed at combatting human trafficking; as of 2012, all 50 states have legislation for this purpose (Farrell et al.). However, some states have passed laws that are more effective at increasing the arrest and prosecution rates of human trafficking suspects. Utah is one of the states paving the way for better anti-trafficking legislation. In March of 2021, Utah Governor Spencer J. Cox signed bill S.B. 117, amending the current legislation so that human trafficking is now considered a first-degree felony rather than a second-degree felony (“S.B. 117 Human Smuggling Amendments”). By being aware of what local legislators support and what bills are being decided on in our community, we can vote for and show support towards anti-trafficking campaigns and platforms.

Human trafficking is a growing problem that has received more attention over the last several decades. Over 20,000 cases are reported every year within the United States, and researchers estimate that only 14-18% of cases our reported, meaning there could be over 150,000 actual cases happening annually (“Gaps in Reporting Human Trafficking”). Although it seems to be a daunting task, and many people feel it does not affect their social circle or that they cannot make a difference, everyone can make a positive impact in their community by learning to recognize the identifiers of human trafficking, report them when seen, and through supporting anti-trafficking organizations and legislation in their area. The human trafficking business thrives in the shadows and has only grown during the COVID-19 pandemic and taken advantage of the nation’s suffering economy. By recognizing identifiers such as having inexplicable injuries, a controlling partner, or the inability to speak alone, citizens can report these observations to a reliable source, such as federal law enforcement or the national human trafficking hotline. An increase of reporting would bring this criminal act into the light and could have the power to decrease human trafficking cases nationwide. Additionally, being aware of and supporting anti-trafficking organizations and legislators in our local state can help to prevent trafficking cases, and care for victims after they have been rescued. Through individual courage and uniting as a community, we can help save lives.

Works Cited

“Aspen Magdalene House”, 2021, https://aspenhouseslc.org/.

Baird, K., McDonald, K. P., & Connolly, J. (2020). Sex trafficking of women and girls in a southern ontario region: Police file review exploring victim characteristics, trafficking experiences, and the intersection with child welfare. Canadian Journal of Behavioural Science/Revue Canadienne Des Sciences Du Comportement, 52(1), 8-17. doi:http://dx.doi.org/10.1037/cbs0000151

Barclay, Tiffany. “Sex Trafficking in our Backyards.” The Charlotte Post Jan 09 2014: 1. ProQuest. 11 Nov. 2021 .

“Be the One in Utah’s Fight against Human Trafficking.” UTA, https://www.rideuta.com/news/2021/01/Human-Trafficking.

Charles, Deborah. “U.S. Says Financial Crisis Adds to Human Trafficking.” Reuters, Thomson Reuters, 16 June 2009, https://www.reuters.com/article/us-usa-trafficking/u-s-says-financial-crisis-adds-to-human-trafficking-idUSTRE55F6C820090616.

Claggett, Kimberly. The Role of Perceptions, Training and Experience of Psychology Students in Identifying Potential Victims of Human Trafficking. Order No. 10037452 Alliant International University, 2014 Ann ArborProQuest. 13 Nov. 2021 .

“Current Unemployment Rates for States and Historical Highs/Lows.” U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 19 Nov. 2021, https://www.bls.gov/web/laus/lauhsthl.htm.

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“Gaps in Reporting Human Trafficking Incidents Result in Significant Undercounting.” National Institute of Justice, 4 Aug. 2020, https://nij.ojp.gov/topics/articles/gaps-reporting-human-trafficking-incidents-result-significant-undercounting.

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Gibbs, D. Allay,  et al. “Children and Youth Services Review.” National Institute of Justice Summary Report, Dec 2018 . 11 Nov. 2021

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Hansler, Jennifer. “Covid-19 Pandemic Increased Number of People at Risk of Human Trafficking, State Department Report Says.” CNN, Cable News Network, 1 July 2021, https://www.cnn.com/2021/07/01/politics/2021-trafficking-in-persons-report-covid/index.html.

Karlee, Hemmert. “Effects of Sex Trafficking on Youth and Identification: A Literature Review Effects of Sex Trafficking on Youth and Identification: A Literature Review .” BYU Scholars Archive, 2018. Student Works.

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“Human Trafficking Is Happening in Utah.” Refugee & Immigrant Center, 26 Jan. 2021, https://antitrafficking.aau-slc.org/.

Nzinga, Blake, et al. “Human Rights Org Sees 185% Rise in Human Trafficking Cases amid Covid-19 Pandemic.” ABC7 Chicago, WLS-TV, 17 Dec. 2020, https://abc7chicago.com/human-trafficking-rights-month-what-is-statistics/8846598/.

O’Brien, Jennifer E. “‘Sometimes, Somebody Just Needs Somebody—anybody—to Care:’ The Power of Interpersonal Relationships in the Lives of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking Survivors.” Child Abuse & Neglect, vol. 81, July 2018, pp. 1–11. EBSCOhost, doi:10.1016/j.chiabu.2018.04.010.

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Reid, Joan A., et al. “No Youth Left Behind to Human Trafficking: Exploring Profiles of Risk.” American Journal of Orthopsychiatry, 89.6 (2019): 704-15. ProQuest. 11 Nov. 2021 .

“S.B. 117 Human Smuggling Amendments.” SB0117, 16 Mar. 2021, https://le.utah.gov/~2021/bills/static/SB0117.html.

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