In today’s modern times most of us don’t think of slavery as an issue. Yet human trafficking, or modern-day slavery, thrives more than ever with an estimated 40-million slaves worldwide.
Human trafficking is a form of slavery. It is the exchange of people for money, particularly for the purposes of forced labor or commercial sex. Today’s traffickers recruit through schools, online engagements, social settings, and public locations with most victims being women and children. Most are used in the sex industry, forced into prostitution or pornography, though others are utilized in legitimate businesses that include trucks stops and motels. The exercise of control, threats, and intimidation are essential tools in the trafficker’s toolbox of tactics.
If you’ve been driving for any length of time, you’ve heard the offers of “commercial company” coming across the CB, or at your truck window after you’ve parked for the night. This open solicitation of services is indicative of human trafficking. Truck drivers are uniquely positioned to be the eyes and ears of our nations’ highways. Women and children are often trafficked on our main thoroughfares, where traffickers attempt to utilize our transportation as a means to exploit or even transport their victims. We serve as a front-line support and safety net for the protection of trafficked women and children.
Wondering what you can do about this pervasive problem? Truckers Against Trafficking provides extensive resources including a comprehensive list of “red flags” that provide greater insight into the cues we should be on the lookout for. Here are a few indicators to be aware of:
- People lack knowledge of their general surroundings or area
- Passenger vehicles in the truck parking area
- Multiple passengers exiting a passenger vehicle in a truck parking area
- Person appears to have restricted speech, may be wary of talking
- Reference to making a quota
- Females going from truck to truck
When you see these indicators phone local law enforcement to report the possible human trafficking. Do not approach the trafficker directly – leave this to law enforcement.
Consider taking training through Truckers Against Trafficking. You will develop a greater insight into the problem that quietly plagues our nations as slavery thrives in an underground economy. Raising awareness is key in bringing this activity to a full stop. Coupled with your new insight through training you have access to numerous resources including a window sticker for your truck that gives potential victims a quick phone number to call or text for help. (Text: BEFREE or 233733, Call in US 1-888-373-7888, Call in Canada 1-833-900-1010).
For more information, visit www.truckersagainsttrafficking.org
For more Red Flags, visit www.truckersagainsttrafficking.org/red-flags/
