In 2019 alone, the state of Michigan reported 22,326 victims and survivors of human trafficking. This includes sex trafficking, forced labor, and other forms of modern-day slavery. The human trafficking industry is a worldwide criminal enterprise that victimizes men, women, and children.
Governor Whitmer proclaimed January 2021 as Human Trafficking Awareness Month in Michigan and urges people to educate themselves on how they can identify and report this crime. There are several red flags or warning signs of human trafficking that may be revealed to the general public, first responders, health care professionals, and workers in the hospitality industry. Knowing these signs can help people report the abuse.
Victims may show signs of physical or psychological abuse, be deprived of basic life necessities, be in a constant state of fear, or not have simple forms of personal identification like a driver’s license, passport, or photo I.D. They may not admit that they are victims or ask for help.
Reports of suspected human trafficking can be made to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center on their toll-free hotline which is available 24-7, every day of the year. All calls to the hotline are confidential. The National Human Trafficking Resource Center can be reached at 888-3737-888.
Reporting for WGRT – Jessie Wiegand
