Girl saved from human trafficking with help from St Gabriel

The Underground is a Connecticut faith-based organization aimed at eradicating human trafficking in all forms through awareness events. Our relationship with the organization was originally formed in the Fall of 2020 when we hosted a virtual human trafficking awareness event. Through our partnership, generous donors, and the grace of God, we were able to provide passage to safety for this victim. Please see the thank you letter below.

THANK YOU FROM THE UNDERGROUND

Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery that negatively affects the well-being of individuals, families, and communities. It occurs when a trafficker exploits an individual with force, fraud, or coercion to make them perform commercial sex or work.  This form of abuse has dramatically increased over recent years and especially during the COVID-19 pandemic as online demand has been channeled “through social media, the dark web and messaging platforms” which provide easy access to potential victims but hide the identity of the perpetrators. This form of abuse is becoming very common even in our own communities and is the fastest-growing enterprise in the world.

Human sex traffickers use threats, lies, fraud and other forms of coercion to compel individuals to participate in commercial sex acts against their will. These victims are often isolated, intimidated, sold into bondage and prone to physical and sexual assault by their traffickers. Physical force, drugs, emotional tactics, and financial methods are all used to control their victims. Most live under constant mental and physical threats and many will suffer severe emotional trauma.
 

Who is at risk of sexual exploitation?

According to reports, U.S. children in the foster care system are highly likely to be preyed upon and become victims of child sex trafficking. Homelessness, poverty, domestic violence, substance abuse, mental or physical disability, or lack of legal immigration status are all common reasons that individuals become vulnerable to human sex trafficking.
Human sex trafficking warning signs
Warning signs that someone is a victim of human sex trafficking include but are not limited to:
 - Signs of physical abuse including burns, bruises, or cuts
- Less appropriately dressed than before being trafficked
- Sexualized behavior
- Overly tired
- Lacks healthcare
- Withdrawn, depressed, or checked out
- Brags about making lots of money
- New tattoo (pimps use tattoos to brand victims)
- Older friends with a different lifestyle
- Appears malnourished
- Has few or no personal possessions
- Is not in control of his or her money
- Loss of sense of time
- Inability to clarify where he or she is staying
- Avoids eye contact
- Is fearful, anxious, tense, or nervous
- Does not have any type of identification (traffickers will often take the victims birth certificates, passports, and driver’s licenses)
 

What to do if you suspect this type of abuse

Contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 if you are a victim or suspect human trafficking is happening in your community. They are trained professionals who respond to victims with assistance including shelter, security, food, medical treatment, clothing, and other assistance.

To learn more about this type of abuse visit:
http://www.ntcaht.org
https://humantraffickinghotline.org