Florida’s Fight Against Human Trafficking in 2023
Three years ago Polaris Project released a 2020 report that named Florida the 3rd highest state for human trafficking in the United States. Since then, Governor Desantis and others have been actively fighting human trafficking to protect Floridians and visitors to the Sunshine State. Today I want to look at some of the factors responsible for this heinous crime, what is being done to combat it and what individuals can do if they suspect someone is being trafficked.
Unsurprisingly, many of the same factors that contribute to sex trafficking across the country are also present in Florida. Florida was graded most recently as having a C by the Polaris Project, you can see the full report here. These include poverty next door to an abundance of luxury goods appealing to international tourists, interstate highways connecting metropolitan areas and entertainment spots, a large population of undocumented immigrants who may fear retribution if they report human traffickers, and sadly the demand for sex workers that all these people bring to Florida. You can find your state’s report card from the Polaris Project here.
Governor Desantis’ Response
Fortunately, Governor Desantis has taken proactive steps to address this issue by allocating $1 million towards hiring additional staff to help fight human trafficking. This increase in resources should go a long way towards strengthening existing anti-trafficking measures while also allowing law enforcement agencies across the state to expand their reach and better target areas with higher risk. Additionally, Governor Desantis has worked with local legislators and community leaders on creating anti-trafficking task forces throughout the state.
Consolidating their efforts together with local law enforcement agencies—such as Tampa Police Department's Human Trafficking Unit—to leverage data-driven approaches and improve overall outcomes. There have also been several bills introduced in both chambers of legislature that aim at increasing penalties for those convicted of sex trafficking as well as providing more assistance to victims who have been trafficked or forced into prostitution against their will.
As reported by ABC action news on Jan 10, 2022, Republican State Rep. Jackie Toledo, of Tampa, filed one such bill aimed at increasing penalties for first time offenders purchasing sex. HB 1439 would make a first offense a third-degree felony rather than a first-degree. These movements are being pushed in order to increase deterrence and are a part of the multifaceted approach required to address exploitation at all levels.
Some of these resources are best delivered through non governmental organizations like Mission 991, Inc. who provide mental health resources to victims and individuals at risk. A large part of stopping human trafficking is in educating the public about the danger and how some of their actions may be inadvertently contributing to the problem. Pornography remains a high demand and lucrative model for traffickers to exploit victims. Being able to address shame and guilt at its root before exploitation is a more proactive approach in hopes of preventing victimization.
What Can You Do?
The best way you can help is by being aware of potential signs of human trafficking so you can report any suspicious activity quickly and accurately. Common signs may include:
Someone appearing disoriented or confused about where they are.
Having limited freedom of movement.
Avoiding eye contact.
Appearing malnourished or showing signs of physical abuse.
Lacking proper identification documents.
Displaying fear when speaking about their situation.
If you suspect someone is being trafficked please reach out for help immediately by calling your local police department or dialing 1-888-373-7888 (The National Human Trafficking Hotline). Together we can work towards ending human trafficking nationally and in Florida!
Conclusion:
In 2020, Polaris Project named Florida one of the top states for human trafficking. Since then Governor Desantis has made fighting human trafficking his priority by allocating additional funding and working with local legislators on creating anti-trafficking task forces throughout our state. He has also partnered up with local law enforcement agencies like Tampa Police Department's Human Trafficking Unit so they can leverage data-driven approaches and make sure offenders are brought to justice while victims receive necessary assistance and care they need. Finally, it cannot be stressed enough how important it is that we all remain vigilant against this heinous crime - if you suspect someone is being trafficked please call your local police department or dial 1-888-373-7888 (The National Human Trafficking Hotline). Together we can link arms in this fight and you can support Mission 991, Inc. to help educate the public and bring valuable resources to victims and at risk youth. Support Mission 991, Inc. today here.
Holiday increase in Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is a pervasive problem that targets people of all races and ages. This exploitation can take many forms and takes advantage increased financial stress and isolation around the holidays.
Human trafficking is a serious and pervasive problem that affects people all around the world, and unfortunately, it often increases during the holiday season. Its important to first understand that all forms of exploitation must be addressed. Human trafficking is only one of the many ways that the vulnerable are exploited for the benefit of others. According to the United Nations, human trafficking is "the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of persons, by means of the threat or use of force or other forms of coercion, of abduction, of fraud, of deception, of the abuse of power or of a position of vulnerability or of the giving or receiving of payments or benefits to achieve the consent of a person having control over another person, for the purpose of exploitation." This can include sex trafficking, labor trafficking, and other forms of exploitation.
Why does human trafficking increase around the holidays?
There are a number of reasons why human trafficking tends to increase during the holiday season. One reason is that there is often an increased demand for cheap labor and sexual services during this time of year. Additionally, the busy and hectic nature of the holiday season can create opportunities for traffickers to exploit people who are vulnerable or in difficult circumstances. For example, someone who is struggling financially may be more likely to accept a job offer from a trafficker without realizing the risks involved.
As television promotes the ideal vision of happy families with support and nurturing. This can highlight the lack of support and family that some individuals experience more keenly in this season. Traffickers are experts at becoming that thing that people need the most. If they lack finances they become the money. If they lack physical and emotional support, then at first they become that source for a victim as they are groomed.
How to recognize human trafficking:
Some signs that someone may be a victim of trafficking include:
Lack of control over their own lives or movements
Signs of physical abuse or neglect
Working long hours for little or no pay
Living and working in inhumane or unsafe conditions
If you suspect that someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, you should report it to the authorities or a trusted organization that can help.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
1 (888) 373-7888
SMS: 233733 (Text "HELP" or "INFO")
Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
Languages: English, Spanish and 200 more languages
Website: http://humantraffickinghotline.org
How to support survivors of human trafficking:
There are many ways of getting involved in the fight against human trafficking. This can include donating to organizations that provide services to survivors, volunteering time or skills, and spreading awareness about the issue. It's also important to recognize that survivors of trafficking may need ongoing support and assistance as they rebuild their lives, and to be respectful of their privacy and autonomy.
Overall, human trafficking is a complex and devastating issue that requires a multi-faceted response. By raising awareness about the issue and providing information about how to prevent and support survivors of trafficking, we can work towards a world where everyone is free from exploitation and abuse.
We can do our part with your help! Please visit our donation page and help us continue the work that we are doing to bring mental health resources and awareness to those in need.