Human trafficking has been reported in all 50 states and truck drivers can be an invaluable resource in closing the gaps in our transportation system criminal organizations exploit.
More than 40 million people are subjected to modern slavery that involves forced labor and prostitution worldwide. Although the U.S. Department of State estimates that approximately 17,500 people are trafficked annually, others suspect the number stands considerably higher. Because cartels and other crime syndicates rely on transportation such as heavy-duty trucks, buses, and other vehicles to move victims across U.S. borders and state lines, truckers remain uniquely positioned to identify incidents and contact the authorities. These are things hard-working men and women can do to save lives.
1: Truck Stop & Rest Area Prostitution
Women and teenage girls rank among the most exploited people, and they are routinely forced into prostitution. Experienced truckers learn that prostitution at certain stops is both well-known and commonplace. There are ways to distinguish between women who act under their own volition and those who are coerced. Watch for signs that someone, usually a male or group of men, is directing women or girls. If you see signs of pressure or believe a minor is engaged in prostitution, this could be a sex-trafficking ring.
2: Someone Doesn’t Know Where They Are
Victims of trafficking are tossed into windowless vehicles and transported great distances, in many cases. When they emerge, it’s not unusual for them to appear bewildered about their location. If you notice people exiting a vehicle or trying to get their bearings at a job site, they may be new human trafficking arrivals.
3: Minor Children Not Attending School
Criminal organizations target children because they are more vulnerable and easier to exploit than adults. Most Americans have seen the headlines about forced child labor and sweatshops. This abuse continues abroad and here in the homeland. But after transporting youths from outside the U.S., public school systems pose a problem. When truckers make deliveries at outlying manufacturing plants, farms, and other facilities, children should not be present Monday through Friday unless it’s a holiday or scheduled break. It may be worthwhile to check the local education calendar and contact proper authorities if they belong in school
4: Watch For Physical Signs of Abuse
Victims of human trafficking often suffer physical, emotional, and nutritional abuse. Encountering people who have sustained bruises, abrasions, appear despondent, or suffer symptoms of malnutrition are signs something is wrong. These telltale signs may not always be linked to human trafficking, but the person is clearly at risk.
It’s essential for truckers to not engage criminals or put themselves in harm’s way. As the eyes and ears of the open road, your greatest value is funneling information to the proper authorities or human trafficking hotlines. Law enforcement officials use actionable intelligence to bust entire rings and prevent future human trafficking victims.
Sources: truckersagainsttrafficking.org, dhs.gov, 660citynews.com
“Human trafficking” is an interesting term. Initially it referred to “modern day slavery”, i e forced labor, especially when crossing borders. It is common in Europe for example that the roma people are transported from the gypsy villages around Romania, Hungary and Bulgaria by their chief to become street beggars in richer countries. But today, activists have begun using the word as a synonym for prostitution, to support their narrative that prostitution is never voluntary. Anti Slavery Watch concluded that 1) never before in history has there been more people enslaved in the world, and 2) it is only 4% of trafficking victims that work with prostitution. The most common slavery labor is carpet making, clothes making, domestic labor (cleaning maids), also some vegetable picking. Almost all of the slavery occurs in islamic countries since enslavement of non-muslim peoples is condoned by the Quran.
I bet you didnt learn that in school or on CNN, huh? Not all truths are politically correct.
Not my job they have the police for this unless they pay me to do the law enforcements job I don’t care because this country doesn’t care about drivers.
Why don’t you pack up and leave this country? Find you a country where you feel “drivers” are appreciated, I mean America sucks and you hate it here, right?
It isn’t about YOU!! It’s about the safety/lives of people in need of help. What’s so hard about reporting it to the police so they CAN “do their job”? It’s time for you to realize that you are not cthe one and only”!! It’s time for you to “grow up (mature)”!!
My comment was for Erich Whaples
helping people is not a job, but heart condition….Agree with Gary- “grow up Driver”