Unfortunately, human trafficking is a huge issue.
Our mission is to abolish sex trafficking here in the city of Detroit, Michigan. However, trafficking has been reported in all 50 US states and happens worldwide. Trafficking is so widespread for many reasons: it is an incredibly profitable industry, it thrives off systems of oppression, and there is not enough awareness about it.
​
If you know of or suspect trafficking, you can always call or text the National Human Trafficking Hotline. This hotline is for reports of human trafficking in the United States, they take calls and texts 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You may choose to remain anonymous when reporting.
Call: 1 (888) 373-7888
Text: 233733 (Text "Help")
10 signs of human trafficking
1. Addiction
A person is visibly high or intoxicated, shows signs of substance use or addiction
​
2. Needs Neglected
Shows signs of poor hygiene seems malnourished, and/or fatigued
​
3. Abuse
Shows signs of physical and/or sexual abuse, physical restraint, confinement, or torture
​
4. Belongings
Has very few, or no personal possessions, including clothing, basic hygiene items, etc.
​
5. Documents
Is not in control of their own documents (ID, passport, driver's license)
​
6. No Voice
Is not allowed, or able, to speak for themselves, often enforced by a third party that insists on being present
​
7. Recruited
Was recruited through false promises concerning the nature/conditions of work offered
​
8. Trapped
Is not free to leave, or come and go, as they wish, heavily monitored
​
9. Minor
Is under the age of 18 and providing commercial sex acts
​
10. Sex Industry
Is in the commercial sex industry and has a pimp or manager
Why Detroit?
Sex trafficking is a problem in every state, and around the globe, but Detroit sees high trafficking rates for a variety of reasons. Detroit is a large city with a lot of vacant land/houses which creates hiding places for abusers. We have an international border, which can lead to smuggling, during the North American International Auto Show alone, The FBI estimates that 30-40 children are trafficked. Most importantly a lack of awareness breeds more trafficking. The more we can educate ourselves and our students, the more people are safe.
48
Hours
Is the number of hours it takes for a pimp to make contact with a runaway youth after they leave home
1 in 5
Youths
1 in 5 unhoused Detroit youth are victims of trafficking
2
Michigan's Ranking
Michigan is ranked number 2 in the United States for Human Trafficking