First Step – Increase your Awareness

Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery.  Although it is a global epidemic, it exists in the United States, in rural, suburban, and urban locations. California is among the top five states with the most human trafficking activity.  According to the Office of Refugee Resettlement, “victims of human trafficking are subjected to force, fraud, or coercion for the purposes of commercial sex or forced labor” and may include involuntary servitude or debt bondage.

Increased awareness and education is part of the CNEHT mission as it joins efforts with community partners in the fight to combat this criminal activity.  Prayers are needed and very important as we strive to banish this injustice.

Know the Red Flags of Human Trafficking

Key indicators of human trafficking may include a lack of freedom or control and poor mental or physical health.  Common signs to watch for and report suspicious activity may include:

● Presence of an overly-controlling boyfriend or adult
● Inability to make eye contact or not use name
● Truancy, homelessness or has few personal possessions
● Physical abuse, malnourished, signs of drug use
● Fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense or nervous

For local information, please read and share “Know the Red Flags” brochure.

Report any suspicious activity to the national hotline at 1-888-3737-888, visit https://humantraffickinghotline.org/  or text HELP to BeFree (233733).

Types of Human Trafficking

It is one of the world’s fastest growing criminal enterprises and occurs in many forms.  The California Department of Justice  has prioritized its fight against this injustice and explains what the various types of trafficking may look like, which includes labor or sex trafficking and domestic servitude.

Community Watch

Be observant and report any suspicious activity to the national hotline at 1-888-3737-888, text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733) or visit the national resource center https://humantraffickinghotline.org/.
If the victim is local or  in urgent need, contact law enforcement direct at the San Jose Police Dept. Human Trafficking Task Force at 408-537-1999 or email humantrafficking@sheriff.sccgov.org. https://humantraffickinghotline.org/