TAMPA, FL. – The City of Tampa will be lit up in blue tonight to show support for Human Trafficking Awareness Day. Human trafficking, an illegal practice, is a serious issue that can affect people of any background or race.
Many victims are forced into labor, prostitution or other forms of exploitation.
Florida is considered a hotspot for human trafficking, largely due to its location and the thriving agriculture and tourism. To help combat human trafficking in our state and community, the Tampa Police Department actively investigates human trafficking cases, and offers help to victims. We can all do our part by reporting suspicious activity, hopefully bringing perpetrators to justice.
Florida is considered a hotspot for human trafficking, largely due to its location and the thriving agriculture and tourism. To help combat human trafficking in our state and community, the Tampa Police Department actively investigates human trafficking cases, and offers help to victims. We can all do our part by reporting suspicious activity, hopefully bringing perpetrators to justice.
“Victims of human trafficking are often hidden in plain sight,” Mayor Jane Castor said. “Anyone can experience trafficking in any community and often in ways we wouldn’t expect. That’s why we need everyone to help bring awareness to this serious and important issue.”
“Traffickers prey on victims with no social safety net and look for victims in vulnerable situations,” said Interim Chief Ruben Delgado of the Tampa Police Department. “Keep in mind, red flags may not always be present in Trafficking cases.”
The following signs may indicate that a person is the victim of human trafficking:
• Unable to leave or come and go as desired
• Unpaid or paid very little or only through tips for his/her work
• Excessively long and/or unusual work hours
• Not allowed breaks or subjected to unusual restrictions at work
• Few or no personal possessions and/or identification documents
• Lack of control of his/her own money
• Not allowed to speak for him/herself
• Numerous inconsistencies in his/her stories
• Fear, anxiety, nervousness, depression, paranoia, submissive behaviors
• Signs of physical and/or sexual abuse, physical restraint, confinement, or torture
Please support the City of Tampa and Tampa Police Department in stopping human trafficking. We ask if you see something, please say something.
Join the fight to stop human trafficking by texting H-T-T-F (plus your tip) to TIP411.
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