Inside CARE House: Human Trafficking - How We Help and What You Should Know
It’s one of those terms that we hear on the news, but it can be difficult to understand exactly what it means it and how affects our community: Human Trafficking.
Recently, police in one Oakland County community found an injured woman in a local hotel room who had been forced to engage in acts for money, against her will. That case received a great deal of attention and prompted questions about human trafficking locally.
CARE House works with children, usually between the ages of 15 and 17, providing forensic interviews and ongoing therapy for survivors of trafficking in certain situations. To help you understand more, here’s a conversation with our Vice President of Programs, Tricia Schuster:
What does CARE House do locally for survivors of human trafficking?
When law enforcement agencies have investigations and stings to shut down trafficking operations, CARE House provides forensic interviews, victim advocacy and therapy services. We also provide training and education to the community on signs of human trafficking. CARE House is also a member of the Oakland County Human Trafficking Task Force.
Have you learned how social media plays a role?
The beneficial side of social media is that it can be a good source of information for the community and serves as a connection and communication tool for people. However, social media is often the method human traffickers use to make contact with potential victims and begin the grooming process. They develop a relationship and use that relationship to gain their trust, and then meet them, spend time with them and ultimately “run away” with them.
My advice to parents is that if you’re worried about your child, particularly a girl, being trafficked, chances are it would happen via social media. It’s another reason to work with children to be very careful about their activity online.
What makes a teenage girl vulnerable to trafficking?
Research shows approximately 80% of victims of human trafficking have a history of child sexual or physical abuse. Victims who either never told or told but were not supported are not able to process the abuse, making them vulnerable to traffickers. Drugs are often introduced and provided by the trafficker in order to create dependency.
Why is trafficking such a particularly traumatic crime?
Sex trafficking is actually two traumas - a blend of domestic violence and sexual assault. Basically, the power and control tactics that are used in domestic, or interpersonal violence, are utilized by the trafficker to manipulate and control the victim. The control in that relationship then results in the sexual assault of the victim.
This is so serious. That is why we encourage the community to become more educated. Through education and awareness, we can prevent this trauma.
What impacts the chances of recovery after surviving trafficking?
Reassuring the victim ---
*they are not in trouble
*they will not be arrested
Despite what they’ve been told repeatedly by the trafficker.
Then provide long-term, trauma-focused therapy and support services, including substance abuse treatment if needed.
These are things we facilitate at CARE House.
What are some signs the community can look for to see if trafficking is going on with someone they know?
We encourage parents or guardians to consider the following questions:
Is the teen secretive about their contacts on social media or suddenly have new friends?
Do they have items that are expensive or that you didn’t provide, including makeovers with nails or new clothes?
Do they have money with no explanation of where they got it?
Do they disappear for periods of time or sneak out of house and have no explanation for where they were?
Have their grades dropped or do they appear especially distracted, detached, or upset?
Do they have unexplained injuries or illnesses?
Are they not in possession of their identification?
Now is the time to talk to your children about what can lead to dangers like human trafficking. Here are some helpful links that include how to talk to your kids about social media safety:
With all the services we provide to victims of human trafficking and children and their families that have experienced abuse, we also work to create a responsible, proactive community of protectors through education, outreach and training to recognize and prevent child abuse.
To learn more and access training, visit: www.carehouse.org/prevention-training
Curious to learn more? Click the links below to read the rest of the Program Spotlights!
Inside CARE House: The First Rooms for Children
Inside CARE House: A Dedicated Interview Space
Inside CARE House: A Comfortable Place for Therapy
Inside CARE House: A CARE House “CASA” Helps Make Dreams Come True