Did you know??
1. There are between 27,000,000 and 41,000,000 slaves in the world today.
2. Of that number, 80% are female (21,600,000 – 32,800,00)
3. 50 % are minor children (13,500,000 – 20,500,000)4. Slavery accounts for approximately $300 Billion in revenues worldwide and approximately $96 Billion in profits.
- Law enforcement estimates that it is the second or third largest organized criminal activity in the world (Drugs & Guns)
- Yet fewer than 100 law enforcement officials nationwide are assigned to investigate the crime
- Nearly every ring busted in the United States in the past decade or two has been because of the tireless effort of an ordinary individual.
2. Of that number, 80% are female (21,600,000 – 32,800,00)
3. 50 % are minor children (13,500,000 – 20,500,000)4. Slavery accounts for approximately $300 Billion in revenues worldwide and approximately $96 Billion in profits.
- Law enforcement estimates that it is the second or third largest organized criminal activity in the world (Drugs & Guns)
- Yet fewer than 100 law enforcement officials nationwide are assigned to investigate the crime
- Nearly every ring busted in the United States in the past decade or two has been because of the tireless effort of an ordinary individual.
Why do slaves not flee??
Threat of violence
- Against the slaves themselves
- Threatened against their loved ones
Do not trust authority
- Many are brought from countries that do not have a "rule of law”
- Slavers work hard to point out our fights in regards to illegal immigration
Fear
- Some have been brought to a new continent and are far away from anything familiar
- Many have witnessed beatings or murder of other slaves
- Some have been on the receiving end of the slaver’s violence
False promises
- “Once you pay off the $9000 you owe men, you are free”
- “You need to do this so I can help you”
Language/cultural barriers
- Many cannot speak the language of those to whom they are enslaved
- Slavers will “help” translate for them and never let them out of sight
Self-Shame
- Due to the psychological warfare of the slaver, the slaves become convinced that their plight is their own fault
- What would the family think
- What would these people where I am think
Sense of Obligation
- Part of the psychological efforts of the slavers is to create the impression that the slave is totally dependent upon them
- “If I don’t feed you, who will?”
- If I don’t protect you, someone might kill you”
No personal Identification or documentation
- Identification documents are sometimes “kept safely” by the slaver
- More often than not, all documentation is destroyed
- Keeps law enforcement from being able to identify the victim who, if the slaver did his or her job, distrusts that official and will not assist them (and might not be able to communicate with that official)
Sense of hopelessness/Resignation
- Over time, slaves come to accept their circumstances
- Against the slaves themselves
- Threatened against their loved ones
Do not trust authority
- Many are brought from countries that do not have a "rule of law”
- Slavers work hard to point out our fights in regards to illegal immigration
Fear
- Some have been brought to a new continent and are far away from anything familiar
- Many have witnessed beatings or murder of other slaves
- Some have been on the receiving end of the slaver’s violence
False promises
- “Once you pay off the $9000 you owe men, you are free”
- “You need to do this so I can help you”
Language/cultural barriers
- Many cannot speak the language of those to whom they are enslaved
- Slavers will “help” translate for them and never let them out of sight
Self-Shame
- Due to the psychological warfare of the slaver, the slaves become convinced that their plight is their own fault
- What would the family think
- What would these people where I am think
Sense of Obligation
- Part of the psychological efforts of the slavers is to create the impression that the slave is totally dependent upon them
- “If I don’t feed you, who will?”
- If I don’t protect you, someone might kill you”
No personal Identification or documentation
- Identification documents are sometimes “kept safely” by the slaver
- More often than not, all documentation is destroyed
- Keeps law enforcement from being able to identify the victim who, if the slaver did his or her job, distrusts that official and will not assist them (and might not be able to communicate with that official)
Sense of hopelessness/Resignation
- Over time, slaves come to accept their circumstances
What are some signs that the person is being trafficked?
-Is this person able to move about freely, or is he or she being watched or followed?
-Does he or she seem frightened to talk in the presence of others?
-Does she or he seem to be a minor, but is regularly seen during school hours?
-Any signs of assault—bruises, burns, cuts, limps, bandages, etc.?
-Does she or he seem disoriented, confused, frightened, or malnourished?
-Can she or he change employers at will?
-Is he or she addicted to drugs?
-Has she or he visited a number of places despite seeming to be very poor?
-Does he or she seem frightened to talk in the presence of others?
-Does she or he seem to be a minor, but is regularly seen during school hours?
-Any signs of assault—bruises, burns, cuts, limps, bandages, etc.?
-Does she or he seem disoriented, confused, frightened, or malnourished?
-Can she or he change employers at will?
-Is he or she addicted to drugs?
-Has she or he visited a number of places despite seeming to be very poor?
What if a slave asks you for help?
Call 911 immediately! If the slavers are violent, law enforcement is trained to handle the situation.
Call 888-373-7888 for other resources in your area.
Call 888-373-7888 for other resources in your area.
