Pledge 8: Stop Human Trafficking

If you don’t believe human trafficking could happen in your area, think again. Human trafficking occurs in every country across the globe. As a nonprofit in Greater Grand Rapids, MI, we know that human trafficking can happen to anyone, regardless of their age, gender, race, or country of origin.

What’s Human Trafficking?

According to the US Department of Homeland Security, human trafficking involves the use of force, coercion, or fraud to compel a victim into performing labor or engaging in commercial sex.

Get the Facts

Text Pledge is a nonprofit organization that focuses on raising awareness. As such, we want to make sure you have the information you need to stay safe. Here are some recent statistics from the US Department of State (DOS) and the National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHTH).

Due to the hidden nature of human trafficking, it’s important to take the above statistics with a grain of salt. For every one case of human trafficking brought to the attention of law enforcement, there are countless victims that go unnoticed.

Signs of Human Trafficking

Human trafficking can be hard to detect and often occurs in plain sight. However, sometimes there can be signs that indicate something isn’t right.

A person may be a victim of human trafficking if they:

• Lose touch with family, friends, and community
• No longer attend school
• Have a sudden or dramatic change in behavior
• Engage in commercial sex acts
• Appear to be disoriented or confused
• Show signs of mental and/or physical abuse
• Act fearful, timid, or submissive
• Have bruises that are in various stages of healing
• Show signs of being denied food, water, sleep, or medical care
• Appear to be coached on what to say
• Live in unsuitable conditions
• Lack personal possessions
• Lack a stable living situation
• Appear to have little to no freedom of movement
• Are accompanied by someone who controls where they go and who they talk to

Please be advised that the above signs merely indicate the possibility of human trafficking and do not serve as concrete proof. For example, a person experiencing homelessness may exhibit some of the above signs and not be a victim of human trafficking.

What to Do If You Suspect Human Trafficking

Do NOT under any circumstances attempt to approach someone who you suspect to be a human trafficker or victim of human trafficking. Your safety and the victim’s safety are of utmost importance. Instead, we recommend that you get to a safe location and call local law enforcement.

If you witness suspicious activity that may be linked to human trafficking, you may also contact one of the tip lines below.

Call 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423) to report suspicious criminal activity to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI).

Call 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733) to get help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline (NHTH).

Take the Pledge to Stop Human Trafficking

Text Pledge is proud to serve as a nonprofit organization in Greater Grand Rapids, MI. While you’re here, be sure to learn about and take pledge 9 to protect animal rights and check out the rest of our pledges. Encourage your loved ones to do the same. If you have any questions, please fill out our online contact form and someone from our team will reach out to you soon.