Homelessness And Human Trafficking Shelley Repp, Executive Director Spoken For New Mexico

Human Trafficking: “Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.” (Homeland Security) Sex Trafficking: “Sex trafficking is when a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act had not attained 18 years of age.” (National Institute of Justice) Survival Sex: “Survival Sex is non-coerced commercial sex acts in exchange for basic human needs including food, shelter, safety, etc. In this case the individual is over 18 years of age and doesn’t have a pimp but feels as though they have no other way in which to survive.” (RHY) Be sure to explain the difference between survival sex and sex trafficking and the stigmatizations that come along with both when considering the word “prostitute” vs. “victim”

People at risk of Homelessness related Sexual Exploitation Runaway/Throwaway Youth LGBTQ Individuals Native Americans Substance Use Disorder Severe Mental Health Problems Histories of Violence, Substance Use and Sexual Trauma in the lives of individuals

Human Trafficking in America Infographic obtained from Polaris Project.org showing where calls of confirmed Human Trafficking have been the most concentrated. Published May 2017.

Key Sex Trafficking Phrases A Pimp is the trafficker. The victim may refer to him as a boyfriend or her daddy. A John is the person who buys sex. A Date is where the victim does the sexual act for the John. Circuit, Track or Stroll is the area where street trafficking is common. Quota is the amount of money required before the victim can be done for the day

The Challenges - Access All HT survivors, by the nature of their victimization are homeless, but they are rarely able to access homeless based services, except medical care. The average age of entry into HT is 12-14 years old. Runaway/Throwaway youth have extreme barriers to services. Sex Trafficking victims are kept in secluded situations. Labor Trafficking victims are kept in or around their workplace. Foreign nationals that have been trafficked do not understand the American social services system. Frequently HT victims sleep schedule is the opposite of when services are available.

The Challenges - Identification HT Victims frequently don’t understand that they are a victim of a crime, but are deserving of their circumstances. Is there a “controlling personality” around the person accessing services? Are they dressed inappropriately for the season? Do they seem anxious, fearful or paranoid. Do they avoid eye contact? Is someone else in control of their finances or identification? Is their story inconsistent? Are they unable to leave their job/residence? They say they can’t schedule appointments. The VI-spdat is a great tool!

The Challenges - Can they leave? Trying to “rescue” a suspected HT victim can be dangerous for you AND for them. You are not aware of any threats that have been made to them. They may not understand that they are a victim. Their trafficker is their support system. They are trauma-bonded to their trafficker. Drug addiction, by choice or force, is extremely common. Heroine is the called “the leash”. Their traffickers are also their dealers.

HT and NM Law The State Law NMSA-32-50-1 explicitly defines trafficking as, a person knowingly: Recruiting, soliciting, enticing, transporting or obtaining by any means any other person without their consent, or with the knowledge that that person was forced or coerced into any labor. The law also includes provisions punishing the financial benefit from labor, services or sexual activity of any other person by force. 2018 Legislature passed funding up to $145,000 for emergency services for identified HT victims. NMOAG, BCSO, APD have all been trained to identify HT.

HT, NM Law - The Reality APD - in 2012, Vice Squad addressing trafficking in 2014 it had 2 officers in 2016 it was completely disbanded in February 2018 it is being reformed BCSO - in 2013 Formed “The Ghost Unit” to specialize in teen runaway/throwaways resulting in HT

What do I do if I suspect HT? Approach all interactions with a trauma-informed focus. Becoming cognizant of patterns is the best way to identify HT. Always try to set up another meeting. Use your best E Intelligence person to build and keep rapport. The VI-spdat is a great tool to help them “self-identify” If they ask for help, call law enforcement first. Bring them to an interior space. Bring them something to eat/drink.

Resources for Trafficking Victims in NM Spoken For - spokenfornm.com Albuquerque (505) 288-1202 The Life Link - thelifelink.org (Sojourner’s Program) Santa Fe (505) 438-0010 State Text/Talk Line - (505) GETFREE National Hotline - (888) 373-7888 Street Safe - streetsafenm.org Albuquerque