1.10.2023
RedMane Supports “Blue Campaign” Focusing on Public Awareness and Reduction of Human Trafficking
In support of Human Trafficking Awareness Day, RedMane encourages everyone to wear blue on January 11, 2023. Over 11,000 cases are reported annually in the United States, with many victims children.
In this post, RedMane is sharing key human trafficking indicators and guidance on how to respond to potential cases. Recognizing these indicators is the first step in identifying victims and potentially saving a life.
Blue Campaign Raises Awareness
The Blue Campaign, led by the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS), helps educate the public, law enforcement, and other industry partners. It helps the public to identify signs of human trafficking and take appropriate action. DHS is asking, and RedMane is echoing, that everyone wear blue on January 11, 2023 in honor of Human Trafficking Awareness Day. January is also Human Trafficking Month.
What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Often times, traffickers target those who are psychologically or emotionally vulnerable, as well as those with an economic hardship.
Traffickers might use violence, manipulation, or false promises of well-paying jobs or romantic relationships to lure victims into trafficking situations.
The trauma caused by the traffickers can be so great that many may not identify themselves as victims or ask for help, even in highly public settings. Language barriers, fear of their traffickers, and/or fear of law enforcement frequently keep victims from seeking help. Too often, human trafficking remains a hidden crime.
Recognize the Signs
Human trafficking can happen in any community. Victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality. Here are some questions to ask if you think somebody may be a victim:
- Does the person appear disconnected from family, friends, community organizations, or houses of worship?
- Has a child stopped attending school?
- Has the person had a sudden or dramatic change in behavior?
- Is the person engaged in commercial sex acts?
- Is the person disoriented or confused, or showing signs of mental or physical abuse?
- Does the person have bruises in various stages of healing?
- Is the person fearful, timid, or submissive? Does the person avoid eye contact?
- Does the person show signs of having been denied food, water, sleep, dental, or medical care?
- Is the person often in the company of someone to whom he or she defers? Or someone who seems to be in control of the situation, e.g., where they go or who they talk to?
- Is the person not allowed to go into public alone or speak for themselves?
- Does the person appear to be coached on what to say? Or, following a scripted or rehearsed response in social interaction?
- Is the person living in unsuitable conditions?
- Does the person lack personal possessions and appear not to have a stable living situation?
- Does the person not have freedom of movement? Can the person freely leave where they live? Are there unreasonable security measures?
- Does the person work excessively long hours? Do they live at their place of employment?
- Does the person have tattoos / branding on the neck and/or lower back?
Not all indicators listed above are present in every human trafficking situation, and the presence or absence of any of the indicators is not necessarily proof of human trafficking.
What to Do
Your safety and that of a potential victim is paramount. If you recognize any trafficking signs, alert law enforcement or DHS (1-866-DHS-2-ICE) so they can investigate. DO NOT confront a suspected trafficker directly or alert a potential victim to any suspicions.
For more information visit: https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign or the https://polarisproject.org/recognizing-human-trafficking/
About RedMane
RedMane Technology provides software solutions and systems integration services that address complex, real-world challenges. RedMane’s human services expertise includes child welfare, child support, eligibility, and case management. RedMane is a problem-solving company. Technology is just one of its tools.
Implementing mCase will be transformative to how DCFS staff engage and support the children and families we serve.
MISCHA MARTIN