"Human trafficking is a public health and safety issue that impacts individuals, families, and communities around the world. Traffickers routinely target at-risk populations. Victims are often individuals who have experienced or been exposed to forms of violence, such as: child abuse, maltreatment, interpersonal violence, sexual assault, and community and gang violence, or individuals that lack a stable support system, such as: runaway and homeless youth, unaccompanied minors, and persons displaced during natural disasters" (EndSexTrafficking.az.gov/).
Q: Are there different types of human trafficking?
A: Yes. Sex Trafficking (A.R.S. §13-1307) & Labor Trafficking (A.R.S. §13-1308).
Q: What is sex trafficking?
A: A person is recruited, harbored, transported, and obtained for the purpose of performing sexual acts for money by force, fraud, and/or coercion (EndSexTrafficking.az.gov/).
Q: What is labor trafficking?
A: A person is recruited, harbored, transported, and obtained for the purpose of labor or services as involuntary servitude, debt, or slavery (EndSexTrafficking.az.gov/).
Q: What signs should I look out for to make sure my friends or family do not become victims of human trafficking?
A: Sex trafficking victims are often exploited through:
- recruitment by “Romeo/boyfriend” traffickers who convince them that they love and care for them;
- kidnapping by “gorilla pimp” and forced into the life. Gang related prostitution;
- a parent or family member pimps their child for drugs or money; or
- running away and living on the streets and are forced to exchange sex for survival (EndSexTrafficking.az.gov/).
Q: What is the difference between smuggling and trafficking?
A: "Traffic” means to entice, recruit, harbor, provide, transport, or otherwise obtain another person by deception, coercion, or force (A.R.S. §13-1308). While “Smuggling” is an illegal transportation or migration of people crossing international borders (A.R.S. §13-2319(F)(3)).
Q: How can I help someone who is being trafficked?
A: Report or share the following National Human Trafficking Hotline 24/7 Resources with your friend or loved ones:
- Call 1-888-373-7888
- Text HELP or INFO to "BeFree" (233733)
- Live Chat at HumanTraffickingHotline.org
- Email
This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. - Submit a report through the Online Reporting Form at https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en/report-trafficking
Q: Is there any aid for immigrants who are victims of trafficking?
A: Yes. The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) provides three types of immigration relief in order to encourage victims to come forward and work with law enforcement: Continued Presence (CP), T Visas, and U Visas. Visit AZCrimeVictimHelp.org for additional information.
Laws may have changed since the last time this article was updated. The current and most up-to-date laws can be accessed here.