Human Trafficking Resources
What is human trafficking?
Human trafficking is a crime which occurs when a trafficker uses force, fraud or coercion to exploit another person for the purpose of engaging in a commercial sex act or forced labor or services. Force, fraud, or coercion need not be present if the individual engaging in commercial sex is under 18 years of age. Through control and exploitation, traffickers take advantage of the vulnerability of others in order to profit from their sexual exploitation or forced labor. Human trafficking is a global, national, and regional problem. It is a lucrative crime and is one of the fastest growing criminal industries in the world. The FBI has identified California and the San Francisco Bay Area as an area of high prevalence for human trafficking. Although human trafficking is illegal, victims often do not recognize their victimization, do not know that help is available, or where to seek assistance. Additionally, community members may not know how to report suspicious situations.
Why is human trafficking a big problem in California?
Victims of human trafficking have been found in every region of California. While some populations are at a higher risk, any person of any age, race, gender or nationality can be a victim of human trafficking. Victims are trafficked in a variety of industries and settings, limited only by the coercive control of the trafficker. California is a populous state and has the largest number of foster children and the largest immigrant population in the United States. The numerous diverse communities of the Bay Area make it easier to hide and move victims from place to place, making it difficult for law enforcement to locate and help potential victims. Victims of human trafficking are often “hidden in plain sight.”
You can help fight human trafficking.
By raising your own awareness of this crime, and the awareness of others, you can help victims and our community by learning the signs of human trafficking and how to respond when you see suspicious circumstances. Where there is an increase in the number of reported human trafficking situations there is an increase in the number of victims identified and offered assistance.
Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline to make confidential reports or to get help:
1-888-373-7888
or TEXT "BeFree" (233733)
The San Mateo County Human Trafficking Program
The San Mateo County Human Trafficking Program was created in 2015. The Program is housed within the San Mateo County Sheriff's Office and is funded by Measure K funds. The Program is staffed by two, part-time contractors who work together to enhance the County's response to human trafficking.
The San Mateo County Human Trafficking Program coordinators are available to provide awareness presentations, training and provide consultation. For more information visit:
https://stophumantraffickingsmc.org/ or email stophumantrafficking@smcgov.org
