It’s Human Trafficking Prevention Month in Texas, Here’s What That Means

Throughout the year, we hear about horrific cases where people of all ages, including children, are being bought and sold like cattle. The great State of Texas is no exception to this as the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) is reminding all citizens that January is human trafficking prevention month.

Assisting in preventative measures regarding human trafficking isn't just done through charitable donations, simply equipping yourself with the knowledge of what signs to look for can mean the difference between someone's imprisonment or freedom.

What Actually Counts as "Human Trafficking"

We've heard this term a lot, but what actually does human trafficking mean? Well, although it's commonly associated with sexual acts, it can also include any type of labor through the use of force, fraud, or coercion, according to DPS.

The tragedy of it all is that trafficking affects all ages—children included—and is present in every state; some instances are simply less noticeable than others.

How to Spot Human Trafficking in Person

Not all trafficking cases are the same and some elements may be different for each situation, but DPS outlined some key indicators to be on the lookout for when it comes to preventing human trafficking in Texas:

• Someone has no awareness of where they are and they appear to be under the physical or psychological control of another
• Someone is clearly sleep deprived, malnourished, or suffering an untreated illness/infection
• Their employer takes them to and from work and they work excessive hours throughout the week
• The place of work is covered in over-the-top security measures like cameras, boarded/opaque windows, etc.

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Reminder: Noticing one or more of these indicators is not a confirmation of human trafficking in and of itself. You must use your best judgement and recognize the context before attempting to report it to law enforcement.

Don't Approach! How to Report Human Trafficking

If you truly believe you are witnessing a person being trafficked, then call 9-1-1 immediately and give as many details as you can. You can also report the incident on the iWatchTexas app or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

NEVER confront someone who you believe is a victim of human trafficking. This could put one or both of you at risk. Calmly and privately call authorities and let them handle the situation.