Juvenile Case Managers Conference

Transcription

1 Juvenile Case Managers Conference Recognizing Human Trafficking: Victims in Plain Sight Gary Teeler LEARNING OBJECTIVES Define human trafficking Identify indicators of human trafficking Discuss trafficking victim needs Identify victim resources 2 Human trafficking PSA 1:00 3 1

2 TRAFFICKING VICTIMS PROTECTION ACT (TVPA) OF 2000 Defines victims of severe forms of trafficking as: Minors (under age 18) induced to perform commercial sex acts Those age 18 or over who are forced, deceived, or coerced into providing commercial sex acts Children and adults forced to perform labor and/or services in conditions of involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery, through force, fraud, or coercion SEX and LABOR TRAFFICKING 4 INDICATORS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING Trafficked victims experience several crimes concurrently Responding officers should recognize that most victims will not self identify Traffickers have manipulated victims to distrust service providers and law enforcement It is not always possible to determine a situation of human trafficking based on any single indicator, but there are some common indicators that may help identify a victim of human trafficking 5 COMMON INDICATORS Fearful of speaking to police or authority figures Restricted or scripted communication Feel as though they are not free to leave Has little or no idea where they are geographically Denied contact with friends and family Works long hours with little or no compensation Live in groups where they work and seldom leave Fears punishment Required to account for every minute of time Someone else possesses identifying documents 6 2

3 IDENTIFYING VICTIMS OF DMST Evidence of abuse (bruising, etc.) Signs of branding/tattoos No cash or means to pay for necessities Presence of controlling/abusive older boyfriend Living with multiple people, not necessarily related Heightened sense of fear, anxiety, or depression Runaway / homeless /School truancy Signs of coached communication Defensive or aggressive attitude Seeking abortions / treatment for STDs 7 PHYSICAL / HEALTH INDICATORS Physical injuries or impressions that appear to be the result of control measures Deprived of food, water, sleep, medical care, etc. Inappropriate or inadequately dressed for the weather or work they do Inhumane living conditions 8 FINANCIAL / LEGAL INDICATORS Unable to show identification and travel documents Garnished wages, little to no access to earnings Forced to use a translator to speak / is not allowed to speak for his or herself Existing debt issues 9 3

4 LOCATION INDICATORS Large number of workers transported in and out of labor locations covertly and under controlled conditions Guards, watchmen, and/or guard dogs Fencing or locks designed to keep people in rather than out 10 ASSISTING VICTIMS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING Many victims of human trafficking: May suffer from poor health Have been exposed to psychological abuse, coercion, and physical / sexual violence Have a lack of basic necessities Victims may experience displacement, isolation and chronic uncertainty after escape or release Needs will vary for each victim depending on their circumstances 11 TRAFFICKING VICTIM NEEDS Urgent Needs Safe Shelter Food Clothing Acute Medical Care Crisis Intervention Interpreter Long Term Needs Legal Assistance Counseling Safety Planning Ongoing Medical Care Cultural Orientation Education / Employment Child Care Client Advocacy Drug Treatment 12 4

5 IMPORTANCE OF WORKING WITH NGO S May be able to assist with housing arrangements Over time, victims who receive comprehensive case management from NGO s may return to a more normal state of mental functioning Communication has been found to play a crucial role in cases Responsible in assisting the client in meeting their needs and goals to the extent that this is possible 13 MASLOW S HIERARCHY OF NEEDS Self Actualization Esteem Needs achievement, status, etc. Belongingness & Love affection, relationships, etc. Safety Needs protection, security, limits, etc. Biological & Physiological air, food, water, shelter, warmth, etc. 14 RESOURCES The Polaris Project US Customs and Border Protection trafficking SAFVIC US Immigration and Customs Enforcement Central Texas Coalition Against Human Trafficking 5

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