Equipping Los Angeles with Human Trafficking Training for Upcoming Major Sporting Events
Human trafficking happens all around the world all the time and Los Angeles is a global hot spot for this crime. Major events like the FIFA World Cup and the Olympics create jobs that help our economy, but with the influx of people in the city, this also multiplies the risks for labor trafficking and sex trafficking. As Los Angeles prepares to host these major sporting events, we partnered with Los Angeles Human Trafficking Task Force (LARHTTF) to ensure our city leads the world in both celebration and survivor protection. This week in LA, the Sports & Major Events Committee offered free awareness trainings led by industry experts including ZOE International to equip business owners, church pastors, non-profits, educators and more to breakdown what human trafficking looks like in today’s landscape.
Each session broke down how to spot the “red flags” of an exploiter and how to identify the different kinds of vulnerabilities someone can have that can lead to exploitation. Specific industries that are vulnerable to both sex trafficking and labor trafficking include…
- Garment shops
- Hospitality
- Agriculture
- Health & Beauty
- Construction
- Domestic work
- Traveling
- Street-Based Economies
- Temporary Jobs
- Sales
Oftentimes, fraudulent work ads are a common method of recruitment. Many people who think they are coming to a major sporting event to work in hospitality or housekeeping are manipulated into sex work to pay off debt or to save their family from threats. The Director of Programs of Saving Innocence, Sara Elander, explained, “a common misconception is thinking that ‘victims should have known better‘ but traffickers exploit trust, vulnerability, and unmet needs, not lack of intelligence. We’ve all been in need of validation, comfort, protection, and care in our lives, so let’s catch ourselves when we’re tempted to victim blame.”
Additionally, we discussed how to safely and effectively respond when exploitation is suspected. At times if we notice something suspicious, we might try to be a hero, but it could cause more harm than good if we’re not equipped to navigate a dangerous situation. Thankfully, the Los Angeles Human Trafficking Task Force provided these helpful cards to provide guidance.
Call 1-888-373-7888 or text INFO to 233733 if you suspect a dangerous situation. We recommend saving this number in your phone so you can stay vigilant and equipped.
