January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month
January is Human Trafficking awareness month. The Protection of Minors program with the Environmental Health Safety and Risk Management Department and the University Police Department would like to shed light and bring attention to this crime and what you can do to help.
Recognizing the key indicators of human trafficking is the first step in helping someone who may be trafficked. Here are some indicators of someone who may be a victim of human trafficking:
- Appears to be disconnected from family, friends, and community organizations
- Has stopped attending school
- Inconsistent stories
- Sudden or dramatic changes in behavior
- Engaged in commercial sex acts
- Appears disoriented or confused or is showing signs of mental or physical abuse
- Has bruises in different stages of healing
- Is fearful, timid or submissive
- Shows signs of having been denied food, water, sleep or medical care
- Is often in the company of someone to whom they defer or who seems to be in control of the situation
- Has branding/tattoos
- Is living in unsuitable conditions
- Lack of personal possessions and does not appear to have a stable living situation
- Does not have freedom of movement, cannot leave, or has unreasonable security measures
If you suspect someone of being trafficked, you can help by contacting the University Police Department at 907-474-7721 or federal law enforcement at 1-866-347-2423. You can also contact the human trafficking hotline at 1-888-373-7888 for help.
If you have any questions about human trafficking, resources or reporting please contact Jessy Benton, protection of minors manager, at 907-474-6015 or jbenton8@alaska.edu.