Learn About Human Trafficking
Bethesda House provides a safe place for women who are exploited for commercial sex. Human trafficking is a serious crime and human rights violation that occurs across the globe.
Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit someone for labor, services, or commercial sex acts.
It is estimated that 28 million people are currently enslaved world-wide.
This number has increased by a million people in the last decade and exceeds the total number of enslaved people during the transatlantic slave trade era. Alabama has reported cases of both sex labor and trafficking. The state's geographic location and major transportation routes make it vulnerable to trafficking activities.
Alabama passed its first comprehensive anti-human trafficking law in 2010. The law has been updated several times since then to strengthen penalties and improve victim protection.
Human Trafficking Takes Many Forms, Including:
- Sex trafficking, often involving minors
- Labor trafficking, particularly in agriculture, construction, and domestic work
- Familial trafficking, where family members exploit their relatives
Vulnerable Populations Include:
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Runaway and homeless youth
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Individuals with substance abuse issues
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Undocumented immigrants
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Children in the foster care system
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Newcomers to an area, such as teens who become victims as they navigate new school and social circles when their families relocate
Alabama has established several human trafficking task forces, including the Alabama Human Trafficking Task Force and regional task forces in major cities. Currently, however, there is not a task force in or around Covington County. In an effort to raise awareness, the state has implemented various initiatives, including mandatory human trafficking education in schools.