Sex Trafficking

Sextraffickingisaformof humantraffickingthat involvesexploitingand forcingavictim(s)toperform commercialsexworkagainst theirwill.

Thisformofviolenceoften involvesintensemanipulation, coercion,andthreatsinorder tocontrolthevictim.

Common Tactics Used By Traffickers

Luring victims in with false promises (money, fame, etc.)

Financial abuse - not allowing victim to keep control their own money

Physical and sexual violence

Forced substance abuse in order to maintain power and control

Coercion and threats of violence if victim tries to leave trafficker

Dehumanization and ongoing manipulation

Shelterhouse serves all victims of domestic and sexual violence regardless of age, gender, race, sexual orientation, income, or ability level. Services are confidential and free of charge.

SERVICES

24-hour help line

Safe shelter

Support groups

One-on-one counseling

Housing assistance

Legal advocacy & court accompaniment

Sexual assault medical forensic examinations

Call: 877-216-6383

Text: 989-200-5122

Trafficking is often a form of domestic violencea trafficker may be a victim's romantic partner.

Individuals of all ages, gender identities, socioeconomic backgrounds, races, and ethnicities may be the victim, or the perpetrator, of human trafficking.

Human trafficking can occur anywhere, not just large or overly populated cities

Traffickers do not explicitly target/kidnap strangers - often the trafficker is someone the victim knows (partner, family member, friend, coworker, boss, etc )

Outcomes

Sex trafficking can cause short- and long-term consequences for the victims and communities where this form of violence is perpetuated

Often victims experience poor nutrition, substance abuse disorders, sexually transmitted diseases, and a lack of quality healthcare

Sex trafficking also often causes long-term complex trauma, PTSD, depression, anxiety, or other mental disorders This can be an extremely dehumanizing and traumatic experience that must be prevented and identified so that survivors are empowered to heal

What can we do?

Foster healthy relationships and educate yourself and others on what power and control looks like.

Learn the risk factors that traffickers typically search for/target, and make resources readily available.

Spread information about how survivors can seek healing services - rehabilitation, counseling, safe shelter, health care, etc.

When survivors become empowered, our whole community flourishes.