Human trafficking is a troubling issue that often goes unnoticed in our communities. While human trafficking may sound like an issue that only happens in large cities outside of Alaska – the reality is that human trafficking is happening now in our state and in our communities. In a 2017 study, 1 in 4 females at Anchorage’s covenant house had been trafficked for sex, and of those youth – 42% were Alaska Native. Among homeless youth surveyed in 10 cities throughout the country – Anchorage had the highest prevalence of trafficking. Even here in the Fairbanks area and in our interior villages – we have been hearing about cases of human trafficking.
The most heartbreaking part is this is only a small glimpse of how large this problem actually is. Trafficking is notably underreported, mainly due to the intense trauma that victims experience, which makes it difficult for them to come forward and ask for help.
With January being National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month – Tanana Chiefs Conference would like to provide important information on human trafficking, how to identify it and how to prevent it.
What is Human Trafficking?
Trafficking is the illegal exploitation of a person – whether it be for labor or sex. Victims can be recruited and trafficked in their own villages and hometowns and, sadly, even in their own homes. Traffickers use violence, manipulation, or false promises of well-paying jobs or romantic relationships to lure victims. Traffickers disproportionately target at-risk populations, including individuals who have experienced or been exposed to other forms of violence such as child abuse and maltreatment, interpersonal violence and sexual assault, and community and gang violence.
Warning Signs that someone may be being trafficked:
- Physical abuse such as burn marks, bruises or cuts
- Unexplained absences from class
- Sexualized behavior
- Overly tired in class
- Withdrawn, depressed, distracted or checked out
- Brags about making or having lots of money
- Less appropriately dressed than before or new expensive clothes, accessories or shoes
- New tattoo (tattoos are often used by pimps as a way to brand victims.
- Tattoos of a name, symbol of money or barcode could indicate trafficking)
- Older boyfriend or new friends with a different lifestyle
- Talks about wild parties or invites other students to attend parties
- Shows signs of gang affiliation (gangcolors, notebook doodles of gang symbols, etc.)
Traffickers Often Exhibit the Following Behaviors:
- Jealous, controlling and violent
- Significantly older than female companions
- Promise things that seem too good to be true
- Encourage victims to engage in illegal activities to achieve their goals and dreams
- Buys expensive gifts or owns expensive items
- Is vague about his/her profession
- Pushy or demanding about sex
- Encourages inappropriate sexual behavior
- Makes the victim feel responsible for his/her financial stability. Very open about financial matters.
What to do if you suspect someone is being trafficked
- DO NOT INTERVENE – you could make the situation worse for the individual or for yourself.
- Call 911 immediately and report the situation.
RESOURCES:
- If you are a victim of human trafficking and need help – contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline : 1-888-373-7888 or text “help” to BeFree (233733)
- FBI Anchorage Field Office at 907-276-4441
- You can also contact the Alaska State Troopers at 907-375-6409
- Learn more at http://fbi.gov/humantrafficking