Page 6 - elevatespring2020

AWARENESS
You can help stop
sex trafficking in
central Georgia.
SEEING THE
UNSEEN
SEX TRAFFICKING OCCURS when
someone forces another person to
have sex for money using violence,
threats, lies or emotional manipulation.
It sounds like something that only
happens in a big city, but the reality is
that sex trafficking is a serious issue
here at home.
“The media often mentions Atlanta as a
hub of sex trafficking, but central Georgia
has its own population of sex trafficking
victims,” says Francis Johnson, BSN,
Sexual Assault Nurse Examiner (SANE)
at The Medical Center, Navicent Health’s
Emergency Center.
A LOCAL ISSUE
In 2018, the National Human Trafficking
Hotline (NHTH) counted 255 cases of
sex trafficking in Georgia. In order to
combat this growing problem, many local
organizations have pledged their support to
victims of sex trafficking.
Some organizations, such as Out of
Darkness, conduct outreach and rescue
efforts to help people escape the sex trade.
Out of Darkness works with the Crisis
Line & Safe House of Central Georgia
to connect the people they rescue with
long-term recovery resources. The Middle
Georgia Alliance to End Regional Trafficking »» People who show signs of physical or
(MG ALERT) and Traffick Jam provide
community education to help people become
6 navicenthealth.org | SPRING 2020
aware of sex trafficking and its signs. MG
ALERT also provides legal advocacy for
victims of sex trafficking.
WHAT TO LOOK FOR
According to the NHTH, sex trafficking in
Georgia often takes place in hotels, homes,
and fake spas or massage parlors, many of
which can be found in smaller towns and
rural areas. Sex trafficking can happen to
anyone, no matter their gender, age, race
or ethnicity. Sometimes, victims of sex
trafficking do not report their situation and opportunities.
may even deny that they’re in trouble. In
some cases, family members or close friends
may be the ones responsible for trafficking.
“Sex trafficking is a crime that’s hidden
in plain sight,” Johnson explains. “People
are sold for sex and labor right under
our noses at motels, strip malls and
restaurants, but we often don’t see them.
They’re invisible to us.”
Look for these signs of sex trafficking in
your neighborhood:
»» Buildings with high security measures,
such as opaque, barred or boarded up
windows, and security cameras
»» People who seemed confused about what
city they are in
emotional abuse
If you notice something, don’t hesitate to
contact local law enforcement. Additionally,
In January,
Navicent Health
joined with other
local organizations
to address
trafficking in the
midstate. Follow
our progress on
social media—
@navicenthealth
on Instagram and
Twitter, and “The
Medical Center,
Navicent Health”
on Facebook.
you can help counter sex trafficking by
asking local hotels, motels and businesses
to post signs with sex trafficking hotline
information. You can also call your local
government representatives to ask what
they’re doing to help stop sex trafficking in
your area.
Email takeaction@mgalert.org if you’re
interested in volunteering for MG ALERT or
info@outofdarkness.org if you’re interested
in Out of Darkness. Visit traffickjamgeorgia.
com to learn more about sponsorship
IF YOU OR SOMEONE YOU
KNOW SHOWS SIGNS OF BEING
TRAFFICKED, CALL THE NATIONAL
HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE AT
1-888-373-7888 OR TEXT THE WORD
“HELP” TO BEFREE (233733).
HELP THE HELPLESS
Human Trafficking Hotline:
888-373-7888
Crisis Line & Safe House of Central
Georgia: 478-745-9292
Out of Darkness: 404-941-6024
You can also contact your local police
department or sheriff’s department.