Sex trafficking, or forced prostitution, is one of the fastest-growing criminal enterprises in the world and it affects millions globally. As the eyes and ears of the highways, Midwest Carriers continues to partner with Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) in their mission to abolish human trafficking.
Collaborative Efforts: TAT and the Trucking Community
Truck stops, including rest areas, motels, and restaurants, are the most common areas for the trade of victims of human trafficking. Often truckers are the first line of defense and can make a life-saving call. The trucking community is 7 million strong across the US and when partnered with TAT can be trained to identify red flags that may help the authorities.
Getting OTR Drivers Trained and Identifying Red Flags
Trained Over the Road drivers are disrupting trafficking networks and helping to change lives. The education truckers against trafficking receive is a free program that runs through scenarios you may come across on the road and how to report it, like:
- If a passenger vehicle pulls into the truck parking area of a rest area or truck stop and multiple people (usually females) get out of the vehicle and begin going from truck to truck
- Any time you hear a suspected victim mentioning that he/she must make a quota
- People that seem to have a lack of knowledge of their surroundings or area
- Someone who appears to have restricted or controlled communication or is unable to speak for her/himself
- Suspected victims that have signs of branding (tattooing that would indicate ownership of a particular trafficker)
DO NOT Approach Traffickers
The help of truckers is invaluable, but it is of the utmost importance to allow law enforcement to deal with the traffickers and recover victims. By calling the human trafficking hotline you are already a hero. Not only is it dangerous, but approaching traffickers could also lead to problems in the eventual prosecutions of traffickers.
Questions to Ask If You’re Able
Victims of trafficking may be scared to seek help, but if you’re able to ask, their answers can alert you to their need for assistance. These truckers against trafficking questions are designed to be yes or no so victims feel more comfortable responding.
- Can you leave your job if you want to?
- Can you come and go as you please?
- Would you be hurt or threatened if you tried to leave?
- Has your family been threatened?
- Do you live with your employer?
- Are you in debt to your employer?
- Do you have your passport/identification?
See Something, Call the Hotline
All calls to the human trafficking hotline are anonymous. If you suspect trafficking or notice any red flags call the human trafficking hotline at 1-888-3737-888.