Human Trafficking is the recruitment, harboring, moving or obtaining of a person by force, fraud or coercion for the purpose of involuntary servitude, debt bondage, slavery or commercial sex acts (U.S. Dept. of Homeland Security).

Florida ranks third in the United States for number of phone calls to the national human trafficking hotline annually (National Human Trafficking Hotline – Florida). Both labor and sex trafficking are often hidden in plain sight and occur in communities throughout Florida.

Trafficking can happen in any community, with those at greatest risk being members of vulnerable populations (Polaris Project). Victims are targeted for their vulnerabilities, including economic hardship, familial strain, and immigration status, and are often coerced through empty promises of financial stability, romantic relationships, and legal immigration opportunity.

We focus on two primary ways to end human trafficking. First, we seek to provide education about human trafficking. Education aids in both personal safety as well as vigilance for others in their contexts. A parent looking out for their teenager; a neighbor checking in on the family next door; an employee keeping an eye out for signs in their customers. Learning about human trafficking, what signs to look for, and practical ways to take action are key to combatting human trafficking.

The second way we work to end human trafficking is by addressing vulnerabilities in our communities. We offer a range of social services throughout our ministry, assisting those in need and addressing the vulnerabilities that are often preyed upon by traffickers. Services include food pantries, family stability programs, medical and dental assistance, and comprehensive refugee services. By addressing these vulnerabilities, recipients are less likely to seek such assistance from the empty promises of traffickers. We also provide such assistance to support human trafficking survivors, and by doing so reduce the risk of survivors becoming re-victimized.

If you believe you are a victim of Human Trafficking or suspect an adult is a victim of human trafficking, please visit the National Human Trafficking Hotline website, or call 1-888-373-7888. If you suspect a child is a victim, please call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.

Become Informed

Attend a human trafficking training. Contact us to learn about upcoming training events in your community.

Educate Others

Tell others in your context about human trafficking and how to take action. Host a training event at your parish, youth program, workplace, or other venues in your community.

Volunteer

• Awareness Outreach: educate others about human trafficking by leading a training in your community, staffing an awareness outreach table at a local community event, providing awareness resources to community businesses, and other opportunities.

• Intervention Outreach: go with a team to businesses in the community where trafficking may occur to provide “safe exit” information.

• Do you have a particular strength or interest that you want to use to help end human trafficking? Contact our office and we’ll discuss the best fit for you!

Donate

• Support our efforts to prevent human trafficking in Central Florida and to support survivors of human trafficking. cflcc.org/donate.

If you believe you are a victim of Human Trafficking or suspect an adult is a victim of human trafficking, please visit the National Human Trafficking Hotline website, or call 1-888-373-7888. If you suspect a child is a victim, please call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE. If you are in immediate danger, call 911.