Hello Lauderhill Family!
I wanted to take this opportunity to share with you a specific concern that I do not believe receives the attention it deserves – cases involving human trafficking.
South Florida is one of the most popular destinations in the world. People from every nation generally come here to live, vacation, and enjoy the many opportunities that we have to offer. Unfortunately, not everyone comes here for the right reasons, and there are those who look to profit at the expense of others.
Broward County ranks 2nd in Florida, and the whole state of Florida ranks 3rd in the nation after California and Texas for the highest number of Human Trafficking cases. Sadly, these statistics mean thousands of children and young adults have been lured into a life of servitude and sexual exploitation.
Generally, a victim or potential victim first finds himself/herself craving attention and care that is insufficient at home. Parents and guardians may be too occupied in their busy, on-the-go lives that the child will seek to fill that void in other places. Predators take advantage by pretending they are trustworthy and nurturing, and expertly lure the victims into an awful situation, trapped with no way out.
In order to combat this, it is up to ALL of us to get involved. You know my mantra: if you see something, say something. This time, I will teach you to look out and become aware of signs when our youth is being targeted and groomed for human trafficking.
- Targeting a Victim
Traffickers target victims who have some noticeable vulnerability: emotional neediness, low self-esteem, or economic stress. Social media and apps with private messaging features make it easier and faster for traffickers to identify their victims. Pay attention to direct messages of minors.
- Gaining Trust & Information
Many victims are first groomed and exploited by a family member. Traffickers skilled at grooming often mix well with other adults, thereby gaining a trusted position as an honorary “family member,” if they are not already a blood-relative of the victim’s family. A trafficker will try to learn as much as possible from casual conversations with the minor, or with his/her parents or friends.
- Filling a Need
The information gained allows the trafficker to fill a need in the victim’s life, making the victim dependent on them in some way: buying gifts, being a friend, starting a romantic relationship, or buying soft drugs and alcohol. For example, many times a trafficker will look like a “boyfriend” to unsuspecting friends and family.
- Isolation
By isolating the victim, the trafficker creates times to be alone with him/her and begins to affect the victim’s life in a major way. Setting distance between the victim and anyone else allows the trafficker to persuade the victim to shut out others and manipulate his/her better judgment. The trafficker’s goal is to teach the victim to ignore everyone else who is sees and voices the red flags.
- Abuse Begins
The trafficker begins claiming that a service must be repaid. Whether money was spent on cigarettes, drugs, car rides, or mobile phones, traffickers have been known to demand illicit images (“sexting”), which are used to threaten the victim after (like blackmail). In most cases, the trafficker demands sex as payment for such services.
- Maintain Control
In many cases, the trafficker maintains control of the victim through threats, violence, fear, or blackmail. In the most severe cases, victims show loyalty to their insidious traffickers even after they have been rehabilitated because of the bonds formed from profound manipulation and trauma.
Check out the DHS’ (Department of Homeland Security) Blue Campaign. The DHS partners with government agencies like Immigration and Customs Enforcement, law enforcement, and private organizations to offer training, awareness, and raise resources to help law enforcement and the public identify the signs of human trafficking.
Another is the Human Trafficking Hotline. The hotline serves victims and survivors of human trafficking across the United States. It is available 24/7, 365 days a year, and in more than 200 languages. To contact the Hotline to report a tip, seek services, or ask for help, call 1-888-373-7888.
They say, “it takes a village to raise a child.” Others say, “we are our brother’s (and sister’s) keeper.” Either way, the bottom line is the same: we all must look out for each other. Our community depends on it.
The Lauderhill Police Department stands by our motto “Protecting Our Community.”
Again, if you see something, say something!
Yours in Service,
Chief Constance Stanley
