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DOH-Polk Raises Awareness regarding Human Trafficking
| Jan 01 - Jan 31, 2017 All Day |
The Florida Department of Health is raising awareness about the presence of human trafficking in Polk County as we recognize January as Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Human trafficking is a human rights violation estimated to involve more than two million victims worldwide annually. Statistics rank Florida as the third highest trafficking destination in the country, with half of all trafficking victims younger than 18.
Human Trafficking is defined as the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision or obtaining of a child for labor or services through the use of force, fraud or coercion. Behind drug dealing, human trafficking represents the second largest problem for police task forces in our area.
According to the Department of Children and Families Circuit 10, there are 27 million victims of human trafficking worldwide, 2.5 million victims in the United States. Between 18,500 to 20,000 new victims are brought to the United States each year. More than 83% of the victims brought to the US are used in the sex industry. Victims can include both girls and boys.
These statistics are alarming. To combat this trend, the Florida Department of Health along with many other agencies are working to inform residents of the signs of human trafficking. A few clues that may help identify a possible victim of human trafficking include:
• Avoids eye contact
• Poor physical health or appears malnourished
• Shows signs of physical and or sexual abuse or restraint
• Is fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive or nervous/paranoid
• Has few or no personal possessions
• Not allowed or able to speak for themselves; a third party may insist on being present
• Claims of just visiting and has an inability to clarify where he/she is staying (address)
• Have numerous inconsistencies in his/her story
Every citizen has a part to play in keeping our community safe from human trafficking. It is important to remain vigilant. If you suspect someone may be a victim of human trafficking you can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888 or the Department of Children and Families Abuse Hotline at 800-96-ABUSE. Of course, if you suspect there is an immediate danger always call 9-1-1.
For more information about Human Trafficking contact Polk County Human Trafficking Task Force at 863-578-1745 or myflfamilies.com.
Image courtesy of Stuart Miles at FreeDigitalPhotos.net
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