The World Olympics Summer Games are underway. What could they have to do with Human Trafficking? Often times sports are synonymous with a sense of unity, shared common interests, and national pride. Yet spectators who come from across the globe to all types of sporting events sometimes seek to "party" in extreme and dangerous ways, including the purchase of sex with children or adults who have no choice in the matter.
SEE SOMETHING. SAY SOMETHING.
Unfortunately, as much as sporting events bring people together, these mass gatherings create a demand for sexual labor and hundreds of girls are exploited. A prime example: every year in the United States huge campaigns are launched months before the Super Bowl to bring awareness to human trafficking tied to the event. The Olympics are no different.
As the world prepares for the upcoming Summer Olympics, human trafficking is on everyone's mind. Organizations like Itsapenalty.org are working hard to bring attention to this issue on an international stage. How can you spot the issue of Human Trafficking ? If you were to attend a Youth4Abolition chapter meeting, we close out our session by encouraging the attendees if they “See Something, Say Something”. We encourage all to call the National Human Trafficking hotline at 1-888-373-7888 if they suspect something human trafficking may be going on.
If you or someone you know needs help, or you spot a potential human trafficking situation, you can speak with a specially trained anti-trafficking hotline advocate. Awareness is a powerful weapon against this crime, leading to prevention, which is what our mission at Youth4Abolition is all about. Below is a list of Red Flag Warning Signs that someone may be a victim of trafficking.
OEW offers monthly information and training webinars locally to educate those interested building their own awareness. Together we can end human trafficking. Interested in learning more about Youth4Abolition? www.Youth4Abolition.com or email Cindy@Youth4Abolition.com.
Some “Red Flag” Warning Signs that someone is being trafficked: (Adapted from information provided by the Polaris Project):
• Appearing malnourished
• Showing signs of physical injuries and abuse
• Avoiding eye contact, social interaction, and authority figures/law enforcement
• Seeming to adhere to scripted or rehearsed responses in social interaction.
• Lacking official identification documents
• Appearing destitute/lacking personal possessions
• Working excessively long hours
• Living at place of employment
• Checking into hotels/motels with older males and referring to those males as boyfriend or “daddy,” which is often street slang for pimp.
• Poor physical or mental health
• Tattoos/ branding on the neck and/or lower back
• Untreated sexually transmitted diseases
• Small children serving in a family restaurant.
• Security measures that appear to keep people inside an establishment - barbed wire inside of a fence, bars covering the insides of windows.
• Not allowing people to go into public alone or speak for themselves.