January 19, 2010 News-Press, Ft. Myers, FL

Human trafficking awareness on rise

The bad news is that in recent years, Southwest Florida has seen a number of slavery cases.The good news is that the public's awareness of the crime has also risen.To increase that awareness further, Lee County's Human Trafficking Task force, in cooperation with the Esperanza project at FGCU, is sponsoring three events this month, which is National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month."Southwest Florida is known nationally for its community outreach and partnerships and these events are a great example of that," said task force coordinator Nola Theiss.

Q&A

What is human trafficking?A form of modern-day slavery that exploits people for commercial sex or forced labor. Victims can be U.S. citizens or foreign-born. Traffickers use force, fraud or coercion to control victims. Traffickers may use smuggling or other debts to control victims.What are the types of human trafficking?Forced labor, commercial sex and domestic servitude are the most common forms. People are trafficked for prostitution, exotic dancing, agricultural and landscaping work, factory work, personal sexual exploitation, street peddling, restaurant and construction work, hotel housekeeping and day labor.What signs could indicate human trafficking?Victims usually live very close to where they work. Their communication is restricted or controlled by an overseer who may act as translator but does not translate the victim's words correctly.Often, victims are frequently moved. A large number of victims may occupy one house or trailer. There may be signs of torture or abuse such as burns, scars, or other injuries. They may be malnourished. Their living quarters may have bars on the windows and large fences, and may be constantly guarded.Where do I report suspicions of trafficking?Call the Lee County Sheriff's Office at 477-1000.How can I help out or volunteer?Call task force coordinator Nola Theiss at 590-1521.

Additional Facts IF YOU GO Today "Not For Sale" campaign program, FGCU Student Union Ballroom 3-4 p.m.: Focus on slavery in business: intervention and prevention 4:30-5:30 p.m.: Identification of slavery in our backyard 7:30-9:30 p.m.: Multimedia main event   Tuesday "Next Steps - How You Can Fight Slavery" FGCU Student Union Ballroom 5-8 p.m.: Panels on volunteer opportunities in advocacy, victim services, outreach education and prevention, plus exhibits and information from local organizations and networking time.   Jan. 27 "Out of the Shadows" Symposium FGCU Student Union Ballroom 8-8:30 a.m.: Registration and free continental breakfast 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.: Local, state, national and federal speakers on the current status of human trafficking in our community, nationally and globally with recommendations for further action. (Lunch on your own: 12-12:45 p.m.) 4:30-6:30 p.m.: Reception and networking. - All events are free and open to the public. For more information or to register, call 425-3277.  

Link to on-line registration: registerce.fgcu.edu