Human Trafficking

Angie Szumlinski
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June 12, 2023
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Headline “Man, Woman arrested in connection with prostitution ring out of Livingston County hotel.” The man is charged with “transporting a person for prostitution,” bond set at $10,000/10%. Is that enough or will he be out on bail overnight? What exactly is “human trafficking?” The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, as amended (TVPA), defines “severe forms of trafficking in persons” as: 

  • Sex trafficking in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such an act has not attained 18 years of age; or 
  • The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery. 

Despite increased international attention and resources from states and other non-governmental institutions, the number of people falling victim to human trafficking around the world continues to grow. Between 2008 and 2019, the number of human trafficking victims identified worldwide more than quadrupled from around 30,000 to nearly 120,000. Wow, that’s a huge number and amazing that with all of our governmental resources, the numbers continue to grow! 

Are you aware of what to look for, be aware of, and when to act? Most of us are not, which adds to the problem of increasing numbers. This is also why healthcare professionals are required to have training focused on Human Trafficking to renew their license. Have you had your training? Although it is not required annually, it is always a good idea to make it a priority, assist your staff in getting trained, and of course make sure your staff know that they can come to you with concerns. Build that relationship with your staff, let them know how important communication within the work family is. For additional information on human trafficking and how to prevent/report it, our Resource and Education Center has two webinars, Human Trafficking Part 1, and Human Trafficking Part 2Stay well and stay informed! 


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