Take Action
“I alone cannot change the world, but I can cast a stone across the waters to create many ripples.”
One of the many questions we get after is, “Now what?”
If you are passionate about this issue and want to continue this fight, check out how you can continue this momentum by educating yourself, financially support your local organizations in San Antonio and get involved!
Signs of Trafficking
CONTROLLED BY ANOTHER PERSON
They are accompanied by a controlling person and do not speak on his or their own behalf, but instead defer to another person.
LACK OF EARNINGS
They are unable to keep his or her earnings: it is “withheld for safekeeping.” In many cases, the person owes a debt they are working to pay off.
OVERLY FEARFUL, DEPRESSED, AND SUBMISSIVE BEHAVIOR
They are frightened to talk to outsiders and authorities since they are closely monitored and controlled by their trafficker(s). They may be fearful, anxious, depressed, overly submissive, and may avoid eye contact.
LACK OF OFFICIAL IDENTIFICATION
They are not in possession of their passports, identification, or legal documents.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
They may show signs of drug use or drug addiction. They can be forced or coerced into drug use by his or her traffickers, or turn to substance abuse to help cope with his or her enslavement.
LACK OF PERSONAL BELONGINGS
They may have few or no personal possessions.
DECEIVED BY A FALSE JOB OFFER
Their actual job is different from the advertised job they had accepted.
CONTROLLED MOVEMENT
They are transported to or from work or live and work at the same place. They show signs that their movements are being controlled.
FOREIGN, UNFAMILIAR WITH THE LANGUAGE
They have recently arrived in the country and do not speak the language of the country—or they only know sex-related or labor-related words.
BAD HEALTH AND MALNUTRITION
They may have signs of abuse or signs of being denied food, water, sleep, and/or medical care.
SIGNS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE
They may have bruises, scars, and other signs of physical abuse and torture. Victims of human trafficking are often beaten in areas that will not damage their appearance, such as their lower back.
LACK OF TRUST
They may be distrustful and suspicious. A victim of human trafficking may act as if they distrust any person who offers them assistance or attempts to converse with them.
SIGNS OF DEPENDENCE
They may demonstrate affection, attachment, or dependence toward their abuser.
FEELINGS OF BEING TRAPPED
They feel that they are unable to leave their current situation.
Polaris Project Certification
Polaris Project, the National Human Trafficking Hotline now offers a certification program!
Polaris’s interactive, online training program includes six short modules, as well as survivor stories, and quizzes designed to deepen your understanding of the issue. (Polaris.org)
1. DEFINING HUMAN TRAFFICKING
This module provides legal definitions and breaks down what human trafficking is and isn’t.
2. HOW HUMAN TRAFFICKING HAPPENS
Explaining some of the most common ways that human trafficking happens in the United States.
3. UNDERSTANDING THE VICTIMS
Delving into who human trafficking victims are and the factors that make them vulnerable.
4. HOW TRAFFICKERS OPERATE
Going over how traffickers commonly recruit and control their victims and the factors that make it challenging for victims to leave.
5. RECOGNIZING HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Highlighting the importance of knowing the story behind a situation rather than just knowing the signs.
6. NOW WHAT?
Summarizing some of the ways that you can apply your knowledge and understanding to stop trafficking before it happens and support survivors.
Support your local Organizations
FOR HER
To empower every marginalized woman in San Antonio to move beyond trauma and transform her life.
Child Advocates San Antonio
The mission of Child Advocates San Antonio (CASA) is to recruit, train, and supervise court-appointed volunteer Advocates who provide constancy for abused and neglected children and youth while advocating for services and placement in safe and permanent homes.
Ransomed Life
Empower sexually exploited minors and the “at-risk” to discover strength and God’s purpose for their lives in order to bring restoration and healing to them and their families. Ransomed Life accomplishes this by offering a safe environment that facilitates healing and restoration for survivors of Domestic Minor Sex Trafficking and the “at-risk” through life-giving mentoring, educational opportunities, and equipping the family and community.
Mercy Gate Ministries
Mercy Gate Ministries is a Kerr County ministry dedicated to demonstrating the life-changing gospel of Jesus Christ to those affected by human trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Nationwide Resources
1. Polaris Project--National Human Trafficking Hotline
Polaris Project provides data, legislative advocacy, community education, and victim services referrals. Also runs the National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHTRC) to take reports of suspected cases of trafficking. To make a report, please call 1-888-373-7888 or text BeFree (233733)
2. US Dept of Health & Human Services
Provides service providers with tips and screening tools
http://www.acf.hhs.gov/programs/endtrafficking/resource/rescue-restore-campaign-tool-kits
3. Blue Campaign
Raises public awareness about human trafficking, leveraging partnerships to educate the public to recognize human trafficking and report suspected instances. The Blue Campaign also offers training to law enforcement and others to increase detection and investigation of human trafficking and to protect victims and bring suspected traffickers to justice.