Partnering Against Human Trafficking: Community Stakeholders Awareness Program

Human Trafficking 101   

by Casonia Vinson, LMSW, with PATH (Partners Against Trafficking Humans), Little Rock, AR

For many, human trafficking is a twisted movie plot or a viral story on social media. Yet, for millions, it is horrible unending nightmare. Each year, an estimated 30 million adults and 13 million children are victims of human trafficking creating a more prolific slave trade than any other time in history. While any age can be trafficked, the typical age range for US victims is 12 to 14. Most are runaways whose families did not report as missing.  The internet serves a lure for many and a marketing tool for their traffickers. While the sex trade and labor exploitation are commonly associated with human trafficking, other nefarious activities such as organ harvesting also play a factor. And regions with transecting highways such as US Interstate 40 are the conduit for transport.

Corporations associated with commercial driving, shipping, and their support services are at greater likelihood to unknowingly interact with these bad actors. Becoming informed about the extent of human trafficking, recognizing signs, and knowing how to intervene and report concerns is critical to stemming the tide of human ab use. Participants in this workshop will learn study the data and trends in global trafficking and its connection to region of western Arkansas. Participants will be how to spot at risk individuals they may encounter during employment recruiting activities or at leisure; they will also learn of agencies upon whom they can call when necessary.

This session will be lead by Casonia Vinson, LMSW, of Partners Against Trafficking Humans in Little Rock. 

Human Trafficking 101 has been submitted to SHRM and HRCI.  Approvals pending.