What is human trafficking?
Human trafficking is modern-day slavery in which victims are subjected to force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of forced labor and/or sexual exploitation. Anyone under the age of 18 who is engaged in a commercial sex act is a sex trafficking victim. Anyone can be a victim: children, women, and men from any background.
What are some examples of human trafficking?
Prostitution, sex tourism, and pornography are often what come to mind when one thinks of human trafficking. But a person can also be a human trafficking victim if he or she is forced or coerced to engage in any type of labor, including, but not limited to:
- Servile marriage
- Domestic work (such as nannies, caretakers, and maids)
- Factory work
- Agriculture work
- Construction
- Hotel and tourism industries work
- Food service
- Massage
- Other service sectors
If you or someone you know has an abusive partner we can help. Call us at 916-428-3271 and learn about the programs and services we offer.
How big of a problem is human trafficking?
Reliable numbers are difficult to find. According to the International Labour Office, there are 20.9 million people who are being trafficked around the world. Of this amount, 55 percent are women and girls, 45 percent are men and boys. 74 percent are adults; 26 percent are children.
Human trafficking is not only a global phenomenon, but also a local one. According to the State Department, the United States is a source, transit, and destination country for human trafficking. Many women who are trafficked into the United States are from Asian and Pacific Islander countries. In addition, many adults and children who are in the United States legally (US citizens and legal permanent residents) are trafficked within the United States each year.
Unfortunately, human trafficking largely remains a hidden crime. In fact, a victim of trafficking may look like many of the people you see every day. My Sister’s House strives to identify and empower victims, and prevent others from falling prey to this reprehensible practice.
Annual Human Trafficking Conference
My Sister’s House hosts an annual human trafficking conference to increase knowledge and awareness of, and response to, labor and sex trafficking in the Greater Sacramento area. The next one will be on January 16, 2018. Save the date!
Legal Forum
Are you a legal professional wanting to help victims of human trafficking? Consider joining the Legal Forum, a committee of the Sacramento Rescue and Restore Victims of Human Trafficking Coalition (“Sacramento Rescue and Restore Coalition”). The Sacramento Rescue and Restore Coalition is part of the Sacramento Rescue and Restore Victims of Human Trafficking Regional Program, funded by the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. The purposes of the Regional Program are to identify human trafficking victims and connect them to services, raise public awareness, and provide training and education on human trafficking in Sacramento and seven surrounding counties. Partnering agencies Opening Doors, Inc. and My Sister’s House work together to implement the program region-wide.
The purpose of the Legal Forum is to provide a space where volunteer attorneys can connect with one another, discuss challenges faced in a case, and plan how the legal community can better serve victims of human trafficking.
The Legal Forum is always looking for new members. If you are interested in joining the Legal Forum, please complete the Legal Forum Application form. You do not need to be an attorney to join the Legal Forum, however there may be portions of meetings where non-attorneys may be asked to leave so that the attorneys can discuss sensitive issues pertaining to a case.
For attorneys interested in providing pro bono legal services to human trafficking victims, please complete both the Legal Forum Application form as well as the Volunteer Pro Bono Attorney Application form.
Upcoming Legal Forum Event:
TBA