What is Labor Trafficking?

By definition, labor trafficking is a form of human trafficking where victims are made to perform a task through force, fraud or coercion. People are exploited through services and might not realize that they are victims because they are manipulated into a world filled with false promises. Traffickers take in vulnerable people and try to make them feel as if they are helping them, when in reality they are creating a very traumatizing experience. Children are also primary victims of labor trafficking. Understanding how human trafficking works can help us identify victims and get them to safety. Victims of labor trafficking are often isolated either emotionally or physically, but not always. Listed below are some common red flags to help you identify a possible victim.

• Are they working in dangerous/unsafe conditions?

• Are they receiving threats from their boss?

• Do they feel pressure to stay in the job?

• Are they getting paid enough?

Listed below are common ways traffickers abuse their victims.

• Recruitment fees and debt bondaging

• Fradulent job offers

• Exploitation of addiction

• Exploitation of disabilities

• Domestic work in marriage

It is important that all citizens are aware of things to look out for to help us combat this situation. We need to bring awareness to the warning signs, and we can improve lives.