Redwood City – San Mateo County supervisors today proclaimed January as Human Trafficking Prevention Month to shine a spotlight on a crime that thrives in the shadows.
“Human trafficking occurs when a person is controlled through force, fraud or coercion for the purpose of sexual exploitation, forced labor, domestic servitude, debt bondage or other methods of slavery,” said Supervisor Lisa Gauthier, who co-sponsored the proclamation with Supervisor Noelia Corzo.
“We all need to be aware of the red flags for someone who is being trafficked, including isolation restricted communication or signs of physical abuse,” Gauthier said.
Supervisors voted 5-0 to approve the proclamation that commits the County “to reduce the conditions that enable exploitation, foster resilience, and create environments where individuals are safeguarded against human trafficking and other forms of violence.”
This Thursday, Jan. 30, Corzo will deliver the keynote address to local business leaders at a forum that brings together human trafficking survivors, law enforcement, survivor advocates and others to learn and share information.
“When most people think about human trafficking, they often forget to consider the fact that labor trafficking is a very prevalent form of human trafficking. In fact the largest human trafficking case in California – Rainbow Bright – was here in this county and is still an active case on appeal,” Corzo said.
According to the Attorney General, defendants in the Rainbow Bright case “targeted members of the Filipino community, many of whom were recent immigrants to the United States, for human trafficking and labor exploitation.” Under threats or arrest and deportation, victims were forced to work for Rainbow Bright, an adult residential and child care company, according to the Attorney General’s Office.
Human traffickers prey on the vulnerable. That’s why building an effective safety net for survivors includes counseling, trauma-informed care and legal protections, said Elisa Kuhl, the Victim Services Advocate in the San Mateo County District Attorney’s Office.
“The harm and trauma survivors endure is unimaginable,” Kuhl said, “compounded by the stigma they face, which often prevents them from seeking or receiving the support they need.”
Identifying Human Trafficking
Identifying victims of human trafficking can be difficult because traffickers often isolate victims from their families, communities and the public.
The following is a list of potential red flags and indicators of human trafficking to help you recognize the signs. If you see any of these red flags, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotlineat (888) 373-7888 for specialized victim services referrals or to report the situation:
- Is not free to leave or come and go as he/she wishes.
- Is unpaid, paid very little, or paid only through tips.
- Works excessively long and/or unusual hours.
- Is not allowed breaks or suffers under unusual restrictions at work.
- Owes a large debt and is unable to pay it off.
- Is fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, or nervous/paranoid.
Find more signs from the California Attorney General’s Office.
If you or someone is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1.
Michelle Durand
Chief Communications Officer
mdurand@smcgov.org