This January, WoMen’s Rural Advocacy Programs, Inc. is taking some time to discuss human trafficking and stalking. January is Human Trafficking Awareness and National Stalking Awareness Month.

WRAP has provided services for victims of human trafficking since 2020 and has assisted victims of stalking since 1994. In this article, we will be discussing different types of human trafficking and stalking, different signs and red flags for trafficking and stalking, self-awareness, and prevention of these crimes.

Human Trafficking, also internationally referred to as modern slavery is a global issue that affects many individuals. According to the Global Slave Index, the year 2021 recorded that the United States of America had the third highest number of victims worldwide for human trafficking. The report statistics show that 1.1 million people live in a form of modern slavery in the United States, which is equal to 3.3 people out of every thousand in the country.

Human trafficking can happen to any age, race, gender, or cultural background. Currently, the United States recognizes two types of human trafficking, forced labor human trafficking and human sex trafficking. Forced labor human trafficking involves deception, coercion, force, or the act of obtaining a person for labor or services.

Some of the more well-known types of labor trafficking are agricultural, construction, hospitality, massage spas, and domestic servitude. Labor trafficking includes debt bondage where the victim’s earnings are withheld or forced to assume debts and expenses for food, transportation or shelter.

Some of the warning signs of labor trafficking or exploitation are feeling pressured to stay in a job or situation you want to leave, not having control of your identity documents or passport, living in dangerous crowded or inhuman conditions provided by the employer, and working in dangerous conditions without proper gear, training breaks or other protections.

Sex trafficking is described as an individual being forced or coerced to engage in commercial sex or sexual acts for the purpose of sexual exploitation which can include pornography and prostitution. Sex trafficking happens all over the country and in many types of settings, including but not limited to private homes, businesses, hotels, and the internet.

The use of children and minors in commercial sex or sexual acts regardless of circumstance is prohibited by law in the U.S. and most countries across the world. A victim of sex trafficking has a sponsor, manager, friend or significant other that pressures or forces the victim to perform sexual acts for profit or payment.

Traffickers prey on people that are vulnerable and looking for ways to help build themselves a bigger or brighter future. Traffickers tend to control earnings, spendings, and communications to limit the ability of the victim to get help. All types of human trafficking share some of the same qualities.

There is always a victim and a trafficker. A trafficker can be a friend, stranger, acquaintance or significant other. The victim is always groomed, coerced or forced to comply with a situation they are not comfortable with doing. Even if a victim had previously agreed to certain terms but then decides they no longer want to continue with the arrangement, the moment they are forced or coerced to continue with the activities it becomes a form of human trafficking.

In honor of raising awareness against human trafficking, please join us in supporting the Blue Campaign by wearing blue on Jan. 11 and use the hashtag #wearblue and start conversations with friends and family about human trafficking.

January is also National Stalking Awareness Month. Stalking is defined as a pattern of behavior directed at a specific person that would cause an individual fear for their safety or the safety of others or cause substantial emotional distress. Non-consensual communication, written, verbal or implied threats, and repeated visual or physical proximity are common tactics used by the perpetrator.

Stalking is a form of domestic abuse and is one of the least reported crimes. The crime of stalking has become desensitized throughout our society, today’s youth and young adults are at a higher risk to overlook or downplay this serious and dangerous form of abuse. Movies, TV shows, and certain types of literature have romanticized and glamorized the crime of stalking.

A recent study reported 43% of college students who met the criteria for being a victim did not file a report due to not recognizing the realistic dangers of stalking and their situation. It is estimated that one in three women, and one in six men have been stalked at some point in their lifetime. With the ever-growing use of internet and social media, there have been twice as many victims of stalking online compared to general stalking. More than half of the online victims stated they were stalked before the age of 25 and feared for their safety and the safety of their loved ones. Stalkers can be strangers, acquaintances, or intimate partners to their victims. Current or previous intimate partner stalking has the highest percentage of reported cases across the US and is also statistically the most aggressive, dangerous, and deadly category of all stalker/prey relations. With the acceleration in general and online stalking, there are ways to prevent becoming a victim and ways to protect yourself if you are in a stalking situation. Some basic steps to prevent becoming a victim is to limit what you tell people about yourself and your daily life, either in person or online. Make sure to keep your location and schedule private and accessible only to the people you trust. Be cautious when engaging in conversations with strangers, especially online and through social media. If you are in a situation with a stalker, there are things you can do to protect yourself immediately. Changing your routines regularly and never go out alone. Make sure to tell family, friends, and coworkers/ employer about your situation so they are aware and will take precautions to ensure your safety. Change or amp up your security at home by adding security cameras, new door locks and door bolts, and make sure all points of entry including windows are secure and locked properly. Keep a log of all communications and possible gifts given to you by your stalker, those items can be used as evidence. Never agree to meet your stalker to discuss or “clarify things”. Call the police and reach out to a domestic violence agency like WRAP. Law enforcement and advocates understand these situations and know multiple resources to help you become safe.

Both of these are serious crimes that can impact a victim’s entire life. Start the conversation and spread awareness of these crimes. For more information about the Blue Campaign and human trafficking, please visit https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/about-blue-campaign or https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/what-human-trafficking

For more information about National Stalking Awareness Month, please visit https://stalkingawareness.org and www.ovw.usdoj.gov

For more information about WRAP, search for us on Facebook and Instagram as well as on our website at www.letswrap.com or call the WRAP 24-hour crisis line at 507-532-2350.

— Becci tenBensel is executive director of Womens Rural Advocacy Programs