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www.NewHeightsEducation.org<br />

The Importance of Safety II<br />

By: Khrista Cendana<br />

Why do those states have so many human trafficking victims?<br />

www.NewHeightsEducation.org<br />

1.California is a sanctuary state. San Diego, Los Angeles and San Francisco are labeled as the top cities for<br />

human trafficking in California by the FBI. http://www.capoliticalreview.com/capoliticalnewsandviews/california-1-in-human-trafficking-cases-sanctuary-state-the-cause/<br />

2.Texas is a hot spot for transporting victims from one place to another. https://spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/<br />

austin/news/2017/07/25/texas-is-hot-spot-for-human-trafficking-<br />

3.Florida is a hot spot as it is a booming tourist industry. https://www.jupitermag.com/features/human-trafficking-south-florida-what-you-need-know<br />

4.Ohio has several factors affecting human trafficking: five major highways, strip clubs, farmland, and a large<br />

translent and immigrant population. https://spectrumlocalnews.com/tx/austin/news/2017/07/25/texas-is-<br />

hot-spot-for-human-trafficking-<br />

Here is a list of what characteristics human traffickers prefer in their victims:<br />

1.Female<br />

2.Child<br />

3.Coming from a marginalized population<br />

4.Coming from poverty<br />

5.Growing up in an abusive home<br />

6.Runaway<br />

7.Little or no education<br />

Human trafficking is something that travelers should be aware when traveling. Human trafficking is a type of<br />

slavery in which one is forced into sexual acts or labor without his or her free will, as the kidnapper will use<br />

blackmail or force to make the victims obey. If you see someone in need of help, try not get involved directly,<br />

but get help from law enforcement. Human trafficking is dangerous, and you could easily get hurt.<br />

Safety tips for children:<br />

1.Learn how and when to call 911.<br />

2.Learn the difference between “OKAY” and “NOT OKAY.”<br />

3.If you get kidnapped, use force in any way possible to get away.<br />

4.Avoid taking shortcuts when you are out walking.<br />

5.Run to safety if you’re scared by someone.<br />

Here you can find more tips for children: https://www.allprodad.com/26-tips-to-keep-your-kids-safe-fromabduction/<br />

But don’t be worried only for the safety of your children. Make sure to be safe yourself!<br />

According to an article published by Insider Monkey, the top four worst states for human trafficking are:<br />

1.California - 705 cases in 2017<br />

2.Texas - 433 cases<br />

3.Florida - 329 cases<br />

4.Ohio - 191 cases<br />

For more information, check out these links: https://www.insidermonkey.com/blog/12-top-states-for-human-trafficking-in-2018-628765/<br />

https://humantraffickinghotline.org/states<br />

https://www.state.gov/documents/organization/282804.pdf<br />

58 <strong>NHEG</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> | <strong>January</strong> - <strong>February</strong> 2019<br />

How can you protect yourself if you fall in one of those categories? You can’t really! You can’t change the fact<br />

that you’re a female or that you come from a marginalized population. What you can do is be aware of your<br />

surroundings and be prepared to protect yourself and the people dear to you!<br />

Here are some helpful tips on how to spot a trafficker:<br />

1.Be aware of how traffickers recruit people.<br />

2.Traffickers makes false promises of a better life.<br />

3.Beware of befriending a person who showers you with gifts and affection.<br />

4.Do not make decisions under the influence.<br />

5.Listen to the intuitive voice in your head.<br />

6.Do internet searches and background checks.<br />

You can learn more of helpful tips at this website: https://www.more.com/lifestyle/protect-yourself-and-children-becoming-victims-human-trafficking<br />

If you’re traveling somewhere by yourself, with family or friends, always look around you to check for suspicious<br />

activity.<br />

Victims of human trafficking are usually:<br />

• Frightened, ashamed or nervous<br />

• Avoiding eye contact<br />

• Under control of a companion<br />

• Unable to move freely<br />

• Unsure of their destination<br />

They might also have:<br />

• Visible scars, wounds or bruises<br />

• Few or no personal belongings<br />

You can even try to stop a human trafficking situation if your instincts tell you that the person requires immediate<br />

help, but be aware of your safety first! Try not to do anything too rashly that will get you into trouble<br />

or even hurt yourself.<br />

Check out this website for more helpful tips and ideas: https://www.dressember.org/blog/traveltips.<br />

<strong>January</strong> - <strong>February</strong> 2019 | <strong>NHEG</strong> <strong>Magazine</strong> 59

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