"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.