The issue of human trafficking has steadily gained attention over the past decade. It is an atrocious crime and human rights violation. It is not a different or new societal problem, but part of the pandemic of violence against women, children and vulnerable people.

It has been reported that women and girls represent 98 percent of sex trafficked victims, and nearly half of labor trafficked victims. Men are the majority of those perpetrating this crime.

Human traffickers use tactics of power and control to dominate people and exploit their vulnerabilities, much like perpetrators of domestic abuse and sexual violence. Common tactics used by traffickers include:

• isolation,
• physical and emotional violence,
• sexual abuse and exploitation,
• financial abuse,
• threats to family members,
• use of children to manipulate and control their victims, and
• withholding of food, sleep, important documents and medical care, among others.

Traffickers are often someone known to the victim who has gained their trust and provided for their needs: shelter, food and even a sense of belonging or love. The trafficker gradually takes choices away and through force, fraud and coercion they exploit that person for the purposes of commercial sex or labor. The physical violence, emotional manipulation and oppressive control used by traffickers are also tactics used in domestic abuse.

The issues of human trafficking, domestic abuse and sexual assault are all important issues that should create moral outrage. They are all based in inequality, oppression and societal traditions/beliefs that justify and normalize violence. As concerned community members we can play a role in raising awareness and bringing about positive change:

• Learn about the issues: trafficking, domestic abuse and sexual assault often have common traits and intersect
• Understand the root causes of these problems as oppression, discrimination and inequality
• Know that these problems will continue unless perpetrators are held accountable and victims and their family members are provided the support they need
• Become an informed, conscientious consumer and refuse to support industries that are involved in human trafficking
• Be aware of what is happening around you
• Talk openly about these problems and about healthy, respectful and violence-free relationships
• Contact elected officials to encourage respectful treatment of survivors and accountability for perpetrators
• Contact the Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan to learn about community violence prevention speakers, resources and training for your group, business, organization or school, at (231) 347-1572

For more than 40 years, Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan has supported survivors and worked with community partners on issues that impact the safety and health of people who live in Antrim, Charlevoix, Cheboygan, Emmet and Otsego counties. We have the unique ability to respond to survivors of violence – trafficking, domestic abuse or sexual assault – and walk beside them on their journey of healing and hope. We believe everyone has the right to a life free of violence and control.

For more information or 24/7 local support, call Women’s Resource Center of Northern Michigan at (231) 347-0082 or (800) 275-1995. Victims, survivors and witnesses of human trafficking may also call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1(888)373-7888, text HELP to BEFREE (233733), email [email protected], or chat online at www.humantraffickinghotline.org.