Human trafficking / Stalking awareness & prevention

• U.S. Federal policies were designed with the intention of disrupting natural lifeways and values of self-governance, thus breaking down traditional Indigenous culture.
• The hypersexualization of Indigenous individuals.
• U.S. Assimilation & ongoing theft of Native children in violation of ICWA (Indian Child Welfare Act)
• The Foster Care System
• Broken Treaties
• Capitalism
• Man Camps 

Factors such as poverty and high rates of family involvement with the child welfare system are a direct result of colonization and the deep wounds that run through Indigenous communities. The inability to heal from this trauma increases the likelihood that these cycles of trauma will continue for each successive generation, through direct and indirect interactions, particularly in children and youth experiencing trauma at a young age (Weston, 2018).

Human trafficking is a crime involving the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person to perform sexual labor or commercial sex. Trafficking can happen in any community and anyone can be trafficked, regardless of age, race, gender, nationality, or socioeconomic status. Native populations experience disproportionately high rates given the history of government-sanctioned policies that resulted in being trafficked in boarding schools and by child welfare systems, churches, the military, and extractive industries. Traffickers often use violence, physical and psychological torture, manipulation, and false promises of well-paying jobs or romantic relationships to entrap victims into trafficking situations.

Another type of human trafficking is sex trafficking, which involves the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for commercial sex, in which sexual acts are induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age. Traffickers may use technology to target their victims. In the United States, 40% of victims are recruited online, frequently through means such as false job postings and social media.

Victims of sex trafficking are often isolated, “invisible” to society, labeled as “throwaway kids”, or addicts, or are targeted because they are already vulnerable. It’s important to note that traffickers can be part of a gang, organized crime syndicate, a family member/relative, or a supposed friend, boyfriend, or spouse.

Source: National Indigenous Women Resource Center

• Is fearful and mistrusting
• They can not buy their own food or clothes
• Is malnourished
• Has no contact with relatives or friends
• Cannot travel/move about independently
• Is prevented from getting medical attention, and is accompanied during medical care visits 
• Has scarring, cigarette burns, or tattoos/branding
• Shows signs of substance abuse or addiction
• Has traumatic brain injury 
• Has post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), is anxious or depressed 

Source: National Indigenous Women Resource Center

Stalking is a pattern of unwanted behaviors that violate your privacy, making you feel threatened, in danger, or scared. Stalking behaviors can include, but are not limited to:

• Following, watching, or driving by where you are 
• Making repeated calls, texts, or messages
• Sending unwanted gifts or letters 
• Getting information about you through family, relatives, your garbage
• Other intimidating, controlling, or invasive behaviors

Source: National Indigenous Women Resource Center

Cyberstalking is misusing the Internet or other technology to stalk and harass someone.  For stalkers, the Internet can be a prime place for gender-based violence. Cyberstalking behaviors can include, but are not limited to:

• Hacking a camera on your phone or computer to watch you or view your surroundings
• Monitoring your computer, social media accounts, calls, or texts
• Using GPS or apps to view your surroundings, track your location, or monitor your actions online
• Sharing your personal information, images, or videos without consent to hurt or expose you.

Stalking is often a part of gender-based violence6 and can cause fear, sleep problems, or depression. Stalking is unpredictable and dangerous because no two stalking situations are alike. 

Source: National Indigenous Women Resource Center

• Know that it’s never your fault.
• Never approach or respond to a stalker or attempt to deal with the situation by yourself–get help immediately from law enforcement, a domestic violence program, or trusted family and friends. 
• Take all threats seriously, especially if there is talk of suicide or murder, or if you’re trying to leave or end a relationship.
• If you feel unsafe, stay with family or friends or in a domestic violence shelter.
• Don't travel alone. Change your routine and travel routes, if you can. 
• Document everything that happens with time and dates, save texts, record phone calls, keep unwanted “gifts,” etc.
• Call the police and ask for written reports of all incidents.
• Contact the police to request a protection or restraining order.
• Protect your privacy online by creating strong passwords for all your devices and accounts, including social media, and cover your computer camera with a piece of tape. 

Source: National Indigenous Women Resource Center

• Remember trafficking is never the victim’s fault.
• Call local police if you or the victim are in danger.
• Utilize local resources, we work closely with the Asian Association of Utah and recommend their expertise to individuals who have been impacted by trafficking https://aau-slc.org/ 
• StrongHearts Native Helpline 1-844-7NATIVE (762-8483) is a 24/7 safe, confidential, and anonymous domestic, dating, and sexual violence helpline for Native Americans and Alaska Natives, offering culturally appropriate support and advocacy. Visit strongheartshelpline.org and click on the “Chat Now” icon to connect one-on-one with a live advocate.
• Reach out to your local domestic violence or sexual violence program, or contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “BeFree” to 233733.
• To report suspected human trafficking to federal authorities, contact the U.S. Department of Homeland Security at 1-888-347-2423.