Community Advocacy Center Working Towards A Brighter Future

HUMAN TRAFFICKING

Human Trafficking affects millions of people annually in the United States, and can be difficult to recognize. Sex trafficking occurs when a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud or coercion, or a minor engages in a commercial sex act. Labor trafficking occurs a person is forced, coerced, or recruited   into a situation where they are underpaid, working to pay off a debt, or is unaware of where pay goes.

What is the Klamath County Human Trafficking Task Force?

The Klamath County Human Trafficking Task Force (KCTTF), founded in 2018, is a collaboration of agencies who are committed to developing a victim-centered, trauma-informed response to human trafficking. Our mission is to coordinate a comprehensive community response to exploitation, to hold perpetrators accountable, and to protect trafficking survivors. We provide crisis intervention, court advocacy to survivors, assistance in accessing medical, housing, counseling, and other needs.   

Myth Vs Fact  

Myth: Human trafficking is the same as smuggling, and occurs in big cities.     

Fact: Human Trafficking is an exploitation based crime, it does not require movement or crossing of borders. Human trafficking can occur anywhere, even within families. 

Myth: Only women and children experience trafficking.

Fact: Trafficking does not discriminate by age, gender identity, or sexual orientation. Traffickers prey on those who are vulnerable, promising a better life. People may be more highly at risk if they have a history of abuse or sexual violence, poverty, unemployment, or homelessness.   

Myth: Victims are kidnapped, held against their will, using physical restraint or bondage- it is always a violent crime.  

Fact: Traffickers will recruit people they know- survivors have been trafficked by family members and intimate partners. Traffickers will often use psychological means of control: Fear, trauma, addiction, and lack of options can prevent a victim from leaving a trafficker. Victims may be manipulated into believing they are in love with their traffickers. Traffickers use many subtle methods, including:  

– Isolating them from friends or family, monitoring contact with others. 

– Confiscating documents or other identifications 

– Threatening to shame or out them to friends or family 

– The promise of a better life, family, or job opportunity.     

Are you concerned that you, a friend or family member is being exploited?  

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.  

If you are experiencing crisis and would like to speak to an advocate, reach out to Klamath Advocacy Center 24/7, confidential crisis hotline, 541-884-0390.  

Call or text from anywhere in the United States: National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733 (BeFree) for assistance in over 200 languages.