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"Once you say it, it becomes real. And it’s like you don’t want it to feel real.”

– Human Trafficking Survivor

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Remember if you see or suspected something, say something!

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Remember if you see or suspected something, say something!

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1. Departmental: Charge Nurse, Security, Social Work

2. For minors, FL Dept of Children and Families 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873)

3. To report concerns for trafficking or suspicious activity for adults and minors: 1-855-FLASAFE (1-855-352-7233)

4. Local Law Enforcement: 911 if in immediate danger, or non-emergency number 904-630-0500

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Human Trafficking involves the commercial exchange and exploitation of humans including forced prostitution and pornography, involuntary labor, servitude, and debt bondage. Human trafficking is a growing problem worldwide, recently rising to the second most common criminal activity behind the illegal drug trade. Florida has been identified as a hub for human trafficking activity, citing one of the highest incidences of human trafficking in the country. This crime affects all types of individuals, both foreign and domestic.

Reference: NEFHTC.org

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Lippincott: Suspected Human Trafficking, recognizing and Reporting, Pediatric

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Lippincott: Suspected Human Trafficking, recognizing and Reporting, Pediatric

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Lippincott: Suspected Human Trafficking, Recognizing and Reporting, Ambulatory Care

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Lippincott: Suspected Human Trafficking, Recognizing and Reporting, Ambulatory Care

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BMC Policy Addendum: At Risk Individuals and Signs of Human Trafficking

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BMC Policy Addendum: At Risk Individuals and Signs of Human Trafficking

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Content

In June 2015, the Florida legislature enacted a new statute (Section 787.29 Florida Statute) that requires businesses and locations throughout Florida to display public awareness signage which informs the public about human trafficking and resource assistance.

Required Registration, Signage, and Training Information

Pursuant to the newly amended City of Jacksonville Municipal Code Chapter 250.125 (enacted February 25, 2020) Human Trafficking and Employee Awareness Ordinance, certain businesses must display public awareness signs in conspicuous locations clearly visible to the public and employees, and must provide Human Trafficking Training to all employees on how to spot, report, and prevent human trafficking.

In accordance with City Ordinance 250.125, your business will receive a class "C" paying citation for each day and each separate violation of the additional requirements.

Following is a list of websites with approved classes:

Additionally, pursuant to the City of Jacksonville Municipal Code Section 150.413 (enacted May 2016 - Amended August 2017), Public Awareness Signs must be displayed at the following establishments:

Adult entertainment establishment

Dancing entertainment establishment

Any business or establishment that offers massage or bodywork services

Any business performing services for compensation that is not owned by a health care practitioner regulated pursuant to 456, Florida Statutes, as defined in Section 456.001, Florida Statutes, is required to meet the new standards.

Public Lodging establishments

For additional information and required signage, please contact:

Customer Service Center: 904-630-CITY(2489)

Office of Consumer Affairs: 904-255-7198, or

It is unlawful to violate any provisions of this section, and any violation shall be deemed a non-criminal violation, subject to a punishable penalty, pursuant to Florida Statute 775.083. A violation of this code shall be a Class F offense, pursuant to Section 609.109 Ordinance Code.

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Get the latest information from the City of Jacksonville, Florida Web site

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Human Trafficking:  A Look at Modern Day Slavery and How You Can Help.

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Human Trafficking:  A Look at Modern Day Slavery and How You Can Help.

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What all healthcare Providers Should Know

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What all healthcare Providers Should Know

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Intervening Between a Potential Victim and Trafficker

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Intervening Between a Potential Victim and Trafficker

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Human Trafficking: How do we separate the trafficker from the victim?

Remember... The number one consideration in any scenario is your safety and the safety of those around

you!

When a human trafficking victim is suspected, it is important to attempt to separate this individual so

that the patient can be interviewed in a safe space.

When there is reason to suspect that a trafficker may accompany a patient, it is essential to prioritize the safety and well-being of both the patient and the staff involved.

As professionals, it is imperative to adhere to established protocols and procedures. Follow these steps to address this situation effectively:

1. Alert the charge nurse, medical team, and security.

2. Utilize strategies to separate the patient from the trafficker.

3. Interview the patient using a direct, empathetic approach while minimizing distractions.

4. Complete the Epic screening tool appropriately.

5. Notify appropriate resources if necessary (JSO, DCF, and the HT hotline).

Strategies for separating the trafficker and victim:

Send the trafficker to the PAS desk to finalize registration (alert PAS before referral)

Suggest the trafficker get food/drinks for the victim

Instruct the trafficker to wait in the lobby while you accompany the patient to exams and/or the restroom.

If necessary... ask security or law enforcement to escort the trafficker out of the area.

Remember to use a calm and clear voice as well as non-threatening body language when communicating, especially if the trafficker becomes verbally aggressive.

If the trafficker becomes violent, call security immediately and utilize crisis prevention training as necessary. Remove the patient and other individuals from the area.

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Survivors of human trafficking nearly always identify fear as the reason they didn’t disclose their situation to healthcare workers. They fear their situation becoming worse, guilt, retaliation from their trafficker, and an unknown future. We must keep this in mind when interviewing them and provide

a safe environment for them to share their story.

Keep in mind that their relationship with the trafficker is often complex.

Maintain a safe environment for all patients and staff members at all times.

Create a comforting environment:

Ensure patient privacy by closing doors.

Minimize interruptions like alarms, TVs, and cell phones.

Provide items such as blankets, water, and tissues.

Only essential personnel should be present.

Use a certified interpreter, if necessary.

Human trafficking survivors encourage healthcare workers to be direct yet sensitive in their questions. Emphasize that we value their privacy and safety throughout the interview.

Focus on their immediate health needs, do not ask them to relive all their trauma.

Sample Questions:

1. “You seem a little down. Is everything ok?”

2. “Where is your abdominal pain coming from? Are you going through anything that you’d like to share?”

3. “Are you comfortable where you live? Are you safe at home?”

4. “Have you ever been hurt? Have you ever been mistreated?”

Remain Supportive:

1. “You are not alone. I am here with you.”

2. “You should not be going through what you’re going through.”

3. “This is a safe space. You are safe if you choose to share anything with me.”

4. “You are a survivor. You survived this. You are strong.”

Not all human trafficking victims will disclose their situation the first time they are asked. It sometimes takes more than a dozen visits for an individual to feel confident and safe enough to share their situation. The important thing is that we continue providing them with a safe space and

asking tough questions when necessary.

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Understanding the Relationship Between the Trafficker and Victim

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Understanding the Relationship Between the Trafficker and Victim

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Traffickers can be any gender, race, and ethnicity. They often gain the victim’s trust over several months before becoming volatile and abusive. Individuals living in poverty or with a history of drug and alcohol dependence are at highest risk of becoming victims.

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Two human trafficking adult and pediatric screening tools have been added to Epic to facilitate screening patients for human trafficking.

The screening should be completed on every patient in the Emergency Department.

If human trafficking is suspected, a task to report the suspected trafficking will file to the essential documentation toolbox.

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Language: English

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Language: Spanish

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National Human Trafficking Hotline, National Tip and Referral Hotline 

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National Human Trafficking Hotline, National Tip and Referral Hotline 

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The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000 is the first comprehensive federal law to address trafficking in persons. The law provides a three-pronged approach that includes prevention, protection, and prosecution. The TVPA was reauthorized through the Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization Act (TVPRA) of 2003, 2005, 2008, 2013, 2017, and 2018.

Under U.S. federal law, "severe forms of trafficking in persons" includes both sex trafficking and labor trafficking:

Sex trafficking is the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person for the purposes of a commercial sex act, in which the commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such an act has not attained 18 years of age ( 22 USC § 7102).

Labor trafficking is the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purposes of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery, ( 22 USC § 7102).

TVPA Definitions

Involuntary servitude

a condition of servitude induced by means of any scheme, plan, or pattern intended to cause a person to believe that, if the person did not enter into or continue in such condition, that person or another person would suffer serious harm or physical restraint; or the abuse or threatened abuse of the legal process
( 22 U.S.C. 7102 (6)).

Debt Bondage
the status or condition of a debtor arising from a pledge by the debtor of his or her personal services or of those of a person under his or her control as a security for debt, if the value of those services as reasonably assessed is not applied toward the liquidation of the debt or the length and nature of those services are not respectively limited and defined
(22 U.S.C. 7102 (5)).
Coercion

(A) threats of serious harm to or physical restraint against any person;
(B) any scheme, plan, or pattern intended to cause a person to believe that failure to perform an act would result in serious harm to or physical restraint against any person; or
(C) the abuse or threatened abuse of the legal process
( 22 U.S.C. 7102 (3)).

Commercial Sex Act

The term "commercial sex act" means any sex act on account of which anything of value is given to or received by any person
( 22 U.S.C. 7102 (4)).

Trafficking Victims Protection Act Summary

Below are links to the initial Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000 and it subsequent reauthorizations.

2019 Trafficking Victims Protection Reauthorization

In late 2018 and early 2019, Congress amended the Trafficking Victims Protection Act by passing four separate bills which are included below. Polaris has provided a comprehensive policy review of the 2019 Trafficking Victims Protection legislation which can be found here.

The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act of 2015

The Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (JVTA) of 2015 improves the U.S. response to human trafficking. It contains a number of important amendments that strengthen services for victims. Among these amendments are changes in the criminal liability of buyers of commercial sex from victims of trafficking, the creation of a survivor-led U.S. Advisory Council on Human Trafficking, and new directives for the implementation of a national strategy for combating human trafficking.

The JVTA also requires the creation of a domestic trafficking victim's fund to support victim assistance programs, block grants for child trafficking deterrence programs, and additional training requirements for first responders, among others. Notably, the JVTA amended the Runaway and Homeless Youth Act (RHYA) by declaring youth who are victims of severe forms of trafficking in persons are eligible for services under the RHYA. It also amended the Child Abuse Prevention and Treatment Act (CAPTA) by adding human trafficking and child pornography as forms of child abuse.

The Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act of 2014

The Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act of 2014 seeks to reduce the incidence of sex trafficking among youth involved in the foster care system. The portion of this law specific to sex trafficking requires child welfare systems to improve their response to sex trafficking by screening and identifying youth who are sex trafficking victims or those who are at risk for sex trafficking, provide appropriate services to youth who experience sex trafficking, report missing children to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, and develop protocols for locating missing or runaway children and determine what circumstances they faced while away from care.

Furthermore, state child welfare agencies are required to report instances of sex trafficking to law enforcement and provide information regarding sex trafficking victims or at-risk youth to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, who will in turn report these numbers to Congress. For more information on the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act, see the National Conference of State Legislator's Summary.

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The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000 is the first comprehensive federal law to address trafficking in persons. The law provides a three-pronged approach that includes prevention, protection, and prosecution.

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HEAL Trafficking, Health Professional Education, Advocacy, and Linkage 

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HEAL Trafficking, Health Professional Education, Advocacy, and Linkage 

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HEAL Trafficking: Health, Education, Advocacy, Linkage

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Because human trafficking is a health issue. | HEAL Trafficking: Health, Education, Advocacy, Linkage

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Because human trafficking is a health issue.

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Polaris - Polaris works to reshape the systems that allow for sex and labor trafficking in North America and operates the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline.

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Polaris works to reshape the systems that allow for sex and labor trafficking in North America and operates the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline.

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SOAR to Health and Wellness, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

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SOAR to Health and Wellness, U.S. Department of Health and Human Services 

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https://www.acf.hhs.gov/otip/training/soar-health-and-wellness-training

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www.Nestfoundation.org

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The state of Florida is rapidly becoming known for human trafficking.

Florida’s number one industry is tourism and the state hosts 94.7 million tourists annually.  Additionally, Florida has a predominantly agricultural economy ranked 13th in total production in 40 years.  Florida is surrounded by water on three sides, and the state’s massive number of seaports are used as points of entry and exit which contribute to the appeal to traffickers.

Of the counties in Florida, 22% have cruise ships, and the other coastal cities have cargo ports.  With the high number of tourists, easy access, and its agricultural economy, the state of Florida has ideal conditions for both sex and labor trafficking

References:

Huff–Corzine, L., Sacra, S. A., Corzine, J., & Rados, R. (2017).  Florida’s task force approach to combat human trafficking:  An analysis of county–level data.  Police Practice & Research, 18(3), 245–258.  http://dx.doi.org/10.1080/15614263.2017.1291567

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Northeast Florida Human Trafficking Coalition

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Northeast Florida Human Trafficking Coalition

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StopHumanTrafficking.org

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Florida Coalition Against  Human  Trafficking

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About Human Trafficking

Human Trafficking involves the commercial exchange and exploitation of humans including forced prostitution and pornography, involuntary labor, servitude and debt bondage. Human trafficking is a growing problem worldwide, recently rising to the second most common criminal activity behind the illegal drug trade. Florida has been identified as a hub for human trafficking activity, citing one of the highest incidences of human trafficking in the country. This crime affects all types of individuals, both foreign and domestic.

Currently, there are approximately 20.9 million people enslaved throughout the world. Slavery was supposed to end with the Emancipation Proclamation of September 22, 1862. The Thirteenth Amendment, which was enacted on December 18, 1865, officially made ALL slavery illegal in the United States. These statistics show that slavery is still alive and flourishing throughout the entire world.

REGISTRATION NUMBER CH32651 - A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL FREE (800) 435-7352 WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE.

Latest from our blog

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Florida Coalition Against Human Trafficking

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Human Trafficking involves the commercial exchange and exploitation of humans including forced prostitution and pornography, involuntary labor, servitude and debt bondage. Human trafficking is a...

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https://dhs.gov/blue-campaign

Blue Campaign Video 16_04_20_ bc-infographic.mp 4

Blue Campaign works closely with DHS Components to develop general awareness trainings, as well as specific educational resources to help reduce victimization within vulnerable populations.

Located within the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking, Blue Campaign leverages partnerships with the private sector, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO), law enforcement, and state/local authorities to maximize national public engagement on anti-human trafficking efforts. Blue Campaign’s educational awareness objectives consists of two foundational elements, prevention of human trafficking and protection of exploited persons.

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Official websites use .gov
A.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS
A lock ( ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

Blue Campaign is a national public awareness campaign designed to educate the public, law enforcement, and other industry partners to recognize the indicators of human trafficking, and how to appropriately respond to possible cases.

Blue Campaign works closely with DHS Components to develop general awareness trainings, as well as specific educational resources to help reduce victimization within vulnerable populations.

Located within the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking, Blue Campaign leverages partnerships with the private sector, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO), law enforcement, and state/local authorities to maximize national public engagement on anti-human trafficking efforts. Blue Campaign's educational awareness objectives consists of two foundational elements, prevention of human trafficking and protection of exploited persons.

En español: ¿Qué es la trata de personas?

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Official websites use .gov A.gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States. Secure .gov websites use HTTPS A lock (Lock A locked padlock ) or https:// means you've safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

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Human Trafficking 2024-2026

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Update to Adult screening tool.

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Local News on Human Trafficking

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JACKSONVILLE, Fla. - At least 12 people have been arrested for human trafficking in Jacksonville since 2019, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

Here's a breakdown per year:

2019 - 4 suspects arrested

2020 - 1 suspect arrested

2021 - 3 suspects arrested

2022 - 1 suspect arrested

2023 - 3 suspects arrested

This new information comes as a Jacksonville mother was arrested when police said she tried to sell her 10-year-old daughter in Downtown Jacksonville for $20.

Action News Jax spoke to a human trafficking victim about this case.

"I wasn't able to speak about it or speak of myself as a human being for 27 years," Sandra Shin told Action News Jax.

This recent incident occurred on West Union Street when JSO said officers spoke with a local kindergarten teacher who was dropping off food at a nearby homeless shelter. The teacher told officers the mother said, "Take her with you, give me $20, you can have her."

Investigators also said a man told them the mother offered her daughter up for sex for $5. The man didn't report it until officers went up to him.

Sandra Shin is the president of Hope 4 Freedom, a group speaking out against human trafficking.
[DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks]
"It could have been she could have been on drugs; it could have been like my mom and not make payment for something, whatever the reason is, it's still wrong and that mom needs to get help," she said.
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Police said the 10-year-old was crying, hungry, and looked like she hadn't been bathed in days. The mother is now facing several charges.

The Sheriff's Office said it's a crime that often goes unreported, something Shin hopes changes.

"I hate to say this, but people have a tendency to say it's not their business or don't want to get in trouble," she said. "I think it's time for us to wake up, be vigilant, and stop being cowards."

Shin said she wants the community to get better at prevention, saying if you see something suspicious, contact local police. You can also send an anonymous tip to the National Human Trafficking hotline.

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12 suspects arrested for human trafficking in Jacksonville since 2019, sheriff's office says

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At least 12 people have been arrested for human trafficking in Jacksonville since 2019, according to the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office.

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Published on April 1, 2024 at 1:23 pm

Local law enforcement officers have made 31 arrests for child exploitation and human trafficking since a coalition of five Northeast Florida law enforcement agencies began working together last year to better combat sex crimes.

Since the Intercept Task Force banded together in March 2023, local agencies have initiated hundreds of investigations and aided in arrests they say wouldn't have been possible without the collaboration.

St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick said the results have been clear, "but there is more work to be done."

"And we are just getting started," Hardwick said. "We are truly just getting started."

The group of law enforcement agencies said they have received 663 tips from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, initiated 583 investigations and served 85 search warrants across North Florida in cases involving the trafficking or exploitation of children. In addition, 18 offenders have been sentenced to roughly 150 years in prison.

Members of the task force also have made eight arrests in connection with cases of sexual assault, video voyeurism and more.

The Intercept, or Interagency Child Exploitation and Persons Trafficking Task Force, includes the Jacksonville, St. Johns County, Clay County, Putnam County and Nassau County sheriffs offices along with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement and the Department of Homeland Security in Jacksonville.

The agencies are aided by Operation Light Shine, a nonprofit organization that works with law enforcement agencies across the country, providing support to stop the abuse of minors. In addition, the agencies receive support from the Tebow Foundation.

Roger Handberg, U.S. attorney for the Middle District of Florida, praised the agencies' work as a benefit to local communities and the U.S. Department of Justice in catching criminals.

"The work that you are doing is saving lives," he said during a news conference last week, "and it's resulting in victims being rescued and offenders being brought to justice."

Handberg cited a few examples of crimes investigated by the task force, including a Jacksonville Sheriff's Office deputy who tried to coerce a minor into sex and a Clay County coach caught taking video of students in the shower.

The task force takes on cases individual jurisdictions would investigate, State Attorney R.J. Larizza told Jacksonville Today, but the collaboration has made everyone more effective.

"We were all doing investigations, but now by creating this regional task force we actually share information that we might not get as quickly or at all without it," Larizza said. "The more connected we are, the more cases we can make, and the more successful we'll be."

Noah Hertz Reporter email Noah Hertz is a Jacksonville Today reporter focusing on St. Johns County. From Central Florida, Noah got his start as an intern at WFSU, Tallahassee's public radio station, and as a reporter at The Wakulla News. He went on to work for three years as a general assignment reporter and editor for The West Volusia Beacon in his hometown, DeLand.

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Sheriffs tout arrests by sex trafficking task force - Jacksonville Today

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A multicounty sex crimes task force has made 31 arrests and investigated hundreds of tips since it was created a year ago.