Sex and human traffickers are extremely manipulative. They often use extravagant ruses to induce potential victims before turning to threats and violence to hold them captive and force them to perform unwanted work and sex acts. By understanding how they target, recruit, and harbor their victims, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from […]
When you understand how sex and human traffickers operate and who they target, you can take a few precautionary steps to reduce the risk of you and your loved ones becoming victims.
Sex and human traffickers are extremely manipulative. They often use extravagant ruses to induce potential victims before turning to threats and violence to hold them captive and force them to perform unwanted work and sex acts. By understanding how they target, recruit, and harbor their victims, you can protect yourself and your loved ones from sex and human trafficking.
In general, traffickers look for those who are most vulnerable to their manipulation and who are unlikely to be reported missing. According to the U.S. Office on Trafficking in Persons, common targets include:
It is important to know how to react if you do find yourself in a situation that makes you feel uncomfortable. Always trust your instincts and avoid people or situations that feel threatening. The National Human Trafficking Hotline recommends that you keep a safety plan in place. In addition, follow these tips to help remain safe:
It is paramount that everyone follows safety practices online and on social media, and that adults teach their children to use their electronic devices safely. Oversharing is dangerous, especially when it includes information such as your current location or your future plans. Do not make it easy for traffickers to locate you. Never publicly share your current or future location or personal information online.
When it comes to your tweens, teens, and special needs family members using the internet and social media, it is important for you to understand that almost every app and games allow direct messaging and gives traffickers and others with bad intentions a way to target and contact your loved one.
You should be monitoring their online and social media carefully, and they should never be allowed to interact with strangers online, in video games, on social media, or through other types of direct messaging.
There are a number of safety apps available for smartphones that make it easier to protect yourself and your loved ones from sex and human trafficking by keeping you in touch. These apps can help you quickly alert loved ones or law enforcement if there is a problem and you need help. Many also send your GPS location, so it is easy to find you without you having to know and share the address.
The attorneys from Newsome Melton may be able to help you if you were the victim of sex and human trafficking. We may be able to represent you and take civil action on your behalf. We believe in civil justice through compassion and strength. Let us go to work fighting for your best interests.
We have decades of civil trial experience with even the most complex civil litigation. Call (888) 808-5977 today to learn more.