HUMAN TRAFFICKING | A closer look

The problem, often referred to as modern-day slavery, was the subject of a lecture for health-care providers at St. Elizabeth Health Center in Youngstown by local attorney Khoula E. Glaros-King. Some facts and signs related to the crime, as well as where to seek help:

Each year, people in other countries — especially minors — are deceived by promises of a better life in America, only to be sold or forced into the sex trade, locked in sweat shops and made to work long hours in unsanitary and unsafe conditions with little or no pay.

Many work in restaurants, strip clubs, motels and on farms as domestic servants. Others are forced into the sex trade.

Some victims from impoverished areas are lured to the U.S. by promises of better jobs and help for their families then charged exorbitant travel fees and ensnared in the slave trade.

An estimated 14,500 to 17,500 people are trafficked into the United States annually.

Common signs of such abuse include unreasonable or vague explanations of injuries; being under another person’s constant control and supervision; evidence of trauma, depression and great fear; no passport or other types of documentation; and someone else answering on their behalf.

Anyone who suspects a trafficking situation is urged to contact local police. Other resources are the Ohio State Highway Patrol’s Intelligence Unit tip line at 866-678-8477, www.OSPIntel@dps.state.oh.us and the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 888-3737-888.

Source: National Human Trafficking Resource Center