Human Trafficking in Michigan
Rhoda Hacker Executive Director for SafeCenter, with intern Brooke Barrett, met with Senator Judy Emmons of the 33rd district to discuss the issue of human trafficking. Senator Emmons sits on the Michigan Commission for Human Trafficking lead by Attorney General Bill Schuette. Michigan is ranked 5th in the nation in human trafficking due to Michigan’s close proximity to the Canadian border and waterways. While we often think of trafficking occurring in larger cities like Detroit, trafficking also occurs in rural areas.
Facts:
· Trafficking is slavery and nearly 27 million people are currently enslaved worldwide.
· Runaway children are prime targets for recruitment into this underground criminal organization.
· Every two minutes a child becomes a victim of sexual exploitation.
· 300,000 children a year in the U.S. are at risk of sexual exploitation. These children could be as young as two years of age.
· Human trafficking is the 2nd fastest growing criminal industry in the U.S.
Senator Emmons explained some of the ways they are combating this issue. They are placing soaps that have the human trafficking hotline number on them in local hotels as hotels are often used by traffickers to exploit victims. Senator Emmons also speaks at various seminars across the state to spread awareness on the issue.
Sex traffickers “condition” their victims by using physical, emotional, verbal, and sexual abuse. Vulnerable populations such as children, those addicted to drugs or alcohol, or even survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault are at risk of being recruited by human traffickers. Look for the red flags; fear, bruises, no knowledge of address, sleep deprivation, malnutrition, lack of medical attention, etc. There are many red flags that can be identified if we look for them. Don’t be a bystander; contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-3737-888 to report human trafficking. SafeCenter can provide services to victims of trafficking who have been physically or sexually abused. For more information about SafeCenter or its services call (989)-723-9716, visit our website at www.thesafecenter.org, or find us on Facebook. You can also contact Senator Emmons office at 517-373-3760 or by email at