“Human trafficking is happening here in Mississippi, it’s like an underworld epidemic that is creeping into all of our communities.” – Sandy Middleton
The term human trafficking is loosely thrown around, but what does it mean exactly? The reality is that this is a form of modern day slavery. This is a multi-billion dollar industry effecting 24.9 million people, it is much easier to get into and more renewable than trafficking drugs. Human lives are constantly sold for sex and labor that are manipulated by use of force, fraud, or coercion against their will. It doesn’t matter if you’re young or old, your gender, or nationality—it can happen to anyone, anywhere. It is not just happening in major cities, but in country towns with local families you may know personally.
You can help by reporting any suspected instance of human trafficking by looking out for these red flags:
Red Flags for Adults:
Being forced to provide commercial sex acts
Signs of physical abuse
Not in control of his/her money, ID, or personal documents
Not free to leave or come and go
Not allowed breaks and suffers unusual restrictions at work
Working excessively long/unusual hours
Unpaid for labor, paid very little, or paid only through tips
Branding or tattoos that reveal abuser’s or pimp name
Inappropriately dressed for weather, location, or age
Gang affiliation
Red Flags for Minors:
Chronic runaway
Multiple delinquency charges
Homelessness
Substance abuse
In a relationship with someone much older
A sudden ownership of new and expensive accessories
Distant from family, friends, and loved ones
More than one cell phone
Call the Human Trafficking Hotline is 1-888-373-7888 or TEXT "HELP" or "INFO" to 233733 | Email: tower@mscvp.org
