Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery in which traffickers use force, fraud, or coercion to control victims for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or labor services against their will.
Human trafficking exists in all 50 states, including Louisiana. While illegal, human trafficking remains a booming business – one that entraps victims through abuse, coercion, force, and fraud.
But we can do something to fight this modern-day slavery – saving victims’ lives and bringing criminals to justice.
We can learn some of the signs of human trafficking: victim avoids eye contact; victim has bruising consistent with being restrained or beaten; victim is always in the company of someone who seems in control; victim is not in possession of own ID or passport; and/or victim shows marks of self-harm.
We can also speak up. If witnessing a crime in progress, we can call 911 and report it immediately. If we suspect human trafficking, we can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.