WHAT IS SEX TRAFFICKING?
Trafficking is a form of human abuse where you can be tricked, oppressed, deprived, forced, controlled, and/ or taken advantage of by another person. This abuse can come through relationships with a trusted family member, an employer, a friend or even romantic partner. In the wrong hands, like those of an abuser, what seems like “love” is not love at all.
Sex trafficking is one type of trafficking that involves commercial sex acts. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline commercial sex is “any sex act on account of which anything of value is given to or received by any person”
Commercial sex industry can include street prostitution, strip clubs, fake massage businesses, escort services, brothels, and internet/ pornography.
AM I AT RISK FOR SEX TRAFFICKING?
Anyone can be at risk for trafficking. Abusers seek out vulnerabilities they can exploit and take advantage of for personal gain. Those vulnerabilities can cause you to feel trapped in relationships or situations that are unsafe and unpleasant. In any current relationship:
- Have you experienced violence and or threats of violence against you or a loved one?
- Do you feel forced to engage in selling sex to meet a financial or physical need like food, shelter/rent, clothing for yourself or someone else?
- Do you want to stop participating in selling or trading sex but feel scared or are unable to leave?
- Do you feel you have little control over your decisions or your actions are controlled by someone else?
- Are you 18 or younger and engaging in any form of commercial sex?
If you answered yes to any of the above questions or know someone who can answer yes to these questions, there may be at great risk for sex trafficking. Know you are not alone!
Help is available by contacting the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or Text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733). Calls are confidential and interpreters available 24 hours a day 7 days a week.
WHAT IF I BECOME PREGNANT?
Your pregnancy outcome is your decision, and no one should force you to make a choice. At Soundview, our staff are ready to listen and offer compassion and care regarding your pregnancy options. We are here to offer assistance in a safe non-judgmental environment.
Soundview has partnered with local anti-trafficking organizations to support your needs. Services are at no cost to you and are confidential.
If you are pregnant, in a potential trafficking situation and/or being forced to have an abortion against your will, call us at 888-709-3227 or go online to schedule your confidential appointment today so we can provide answers to your questions and give you the support you deserve.
We look forward to serving you!