02/01/2024
Human trafficking is defined as:
● Using force, fraud, or coercion to exploit someone for their labor or for commercial s*x
● Any minor involved in commercial s*x, even without force, fraud, or coercion
January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, and we’re committed to helping end human trafficking by sharing information and raising awareness. With your help, we can make an impact.
Recognizing the signs of human trafficking
There are several ways to identify this terrible crime. PACT and Polaris, leading anti-human trafficking organizations in the US, suggest that you keep the following in mind when you’re out on the road:
Location–take note of any trips that include:
Pickups and/or dropoffs at or near locations that seem generally unsafe for vulnerable individuals, including children
Pickups and/or dropoffs at hotels or major transportation hubs (trafficking often occurs in these areas)
Rider condition–keep an eye out for riders who:
Appear disoriented, lost, fearful, or submissive
Are unsure of their destination
Exhibit any signs of physical abuse or seem to be controlled by another person, especially when exiting the car
Suspicious behavior–be on alert if you witness a rider who is:
Being coached to lie about their identity
Not in control of their own identification, wallet, or phone
Being moved to another car or location
Ultimately, trust your instincts; if you think something seems suspicious, take the steps suggested by experts below
Reporting suspected human trafficking
If you suspect someone is being trafficked, experts suggest that you:
Assess the situation. Don’t confront the victim or the trafficker directly (it could put you and others at risk).
Call 911 if there’s an emergency, you feel unsafe for any reason, or someone is in immediate danger.
As soon as it is safe, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “Help” to 233733 (it’s free, confidential, available 24/7, and provides access to translators).