Social workers do a lot when it comes to helping victims of sex trafficking and there are policies in place to also assist with ending/preventing sex/human trafficking as well as assisting the victims.
Here are just some ways social workers are already helping:
- A social work class at Chadron State College hosted a conference – “Not for Sale: Sex Trafficking in Nebraska”. Their goal was to raise awareness and educate others on sex trafficking in Nebraska. They brought in people from the community as well as a sex trafficking survivor to share stories and explain the prevalence of sex trafficking. (Chardon Record)
- In Phoenix, there is an apartment complex to house victims of sex trafficking and their children. Social workers have offices there to help provide direct support services to the victims and children.
- John Tate was a police social worker when he saw a need for victims of sexual assault to have a place to live and go to. It started out as a small two offices with volunteers. Today, the business has provided legal and medical advocacy and counseling to more than 15,000 clients.
Below are two laws put into place to help protect and prevent forced sex labor:
- Not all, but some states have put into place the Safe Harbor Laws. These laws ensure that children under 18 who have been exploited for commercial sex are victims and should/will be treated as such. This law is “intended to address the inconsistent treatment of children and ensure that these victims were provided with services.”
- The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 was put into place to help combat trafficking in person. This is to be done globally and nationally. This law is intended for the State Department as well as the President’s Interagency Task force to monitor and combat trafficking as well as coordinate anti-trafficking efforts.
Whether you’re a social worker, work in law enforcement, or are just a community member or somebody passing through. YOU can help. Forced sex work, sex trafficking, human trafficking, SLAVERY is still happening and growing everyday.
Learn. Understand. Be Aware. Help. Save.
It only takes one person to start making a difference. Start now.