Human Trafficking & Current Events
Why take time now to learn about human trafficking?
“This Justice U campaign…could not be more relevant or critical at this time in our country and our world. In fact: The present pandemic crisis has drastically increased the vulnerabilities and risk factors that drive human trafficking, and human trafficking in all its forms disproportionately impacts minorities, in the United States and all around the world.”
—Ashleigh S. Chapman, Justice U™ Founder
Learn more about how and why some situations and communities are more at-risk for human trafficking—how to be part of the solution to end human trafficking.
Explore information about current vulnerabilities with COVID-19 and human trafficking
Continue exploring the information on this page to learn more about how the COVID-19 pandemic specifically is intersecting with and increasing certain vulnerabilities. Discover resources to help you become part of the solution.
The impact of COVID-19 on individuals, children, and families
Rise In
Domestic violence
As stay-at-home orders went in place across the country, many individuals became trapped at home with abusers, isolated, and unable to seek help. Throughout this time, there has been a rise in domestic violence. Safety plans have had to change, reaching out is harder, and accessing services is hindered by increased barriers. Some hotlines have been more frequent and some more silent. Hotlines have reported shorter, more frantic calls, often with calls reporting more violent abuse.
Globally, significant increases in domestic violence cases among marginalized populations are being reported. Overall, there has been a dramatic increase in the need for services and assistance, including shelter, food, and basic necessities.
Disclaimer: If you or someone you know is experiencing domestic violence, contact the National Domestic Violence Hotline by calling 1-800-799-SAFE (7233), visiting www.thehotline.org or texting LOVEIS to 22522.
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INCREASED VULNERABILITIES FOR
Child abuse
Financial and employment stresses, as well as parents’ inability to care for children who are now home 24/7, are leaving children in unsafe home environments. With schools closed, reports of child abuse and/or neglect by educators has decreased nationally while emergency rooms are seeing in increase in severe injuries. Social workers are limited to virtual visits. Child sexual abuse has increased in the U.S. and globally, with a substantial rise in the number of minors contacting the National Sexual Assault Hotline (1-800-656-HOPE) and seeking help during this time.
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THE IMPACT FOR
Human Trafficking
COVID-19 has increased the vulnerabilities that traffickers look to exploit such as hunger, unemployment, lack of healthcare, social marginalization and more. Social distancing has only driven traffickers to create new tactics and methods. Labor trafficking is likely to increase due to individuals taking jobs that don’t offer worker protections, pay little, or are otherwise exploitive. Commercial sexual exploitation is increasing online already, perpetrated both by those close to the victim, and those who target vulnerable individuals for the first time. Service providers have seen an increase in referrals, and targeted operations by law enforcement continue to take place.
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THE CONNECTION TO
Online safety
During this time, individuals seeking, creating, and accessing child pornographic images and live-stream abuse videos has increased dramatically during this time.
Additionally, with schools closed globally, children and youth are spending more time online, increasing their risk of coming into contact with predators and traffickers. Without safety precautions and educating youth about exploiters tactics, youth may find themselves in harm’s way.
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Keep learning how to end human trafficking and protect the vulnerable
Right now is a critical time to learn how to be effective and work together as entire communities.
The solutions Justice U offers will help you to do just this, toward ending human trafficking.
Get started today.