O.R.D.

 

Before you get involved, it is important to know a few things.  

 

First, you are now aware that the prostitute you see is more correctly called a prostituted person.  You now understand that she or he is the victim in the situation.  But that doesn't mean that others will.  That doesn't mean that law enforcement will.  If you call 911 or the local police station, chances are that the victim will be the one who gets in trouble, and not the real criminals in the situation.  So proceed with this awareness. Make sure that you use the right wording.  

 

They are not prostitutes, they are victims of human trafficking, or trafficked persons.  

 

You are not reporting a prostitution ring, you are reporting a human trafficking situation.

 

Using the correct language and reporting the correct signs will help people understand what situation they are looking at.

 

What to report

 

*Someone who doesn't have their ID or other documents

*Someone who is not in control of their schedule or belongings

*someone who never or rarely gets to leave home

*someone with initials or a barcode tattoed on their neck, breast, leg, or inner lip

*Someone who has to have sex against their will, even if they are being "paid"

*Someone very young who is being prostituted

*Someone who has to work long hours and doesn't feel that they can leave their job

*Someone who is underpaid and afraid of their boss

*someone who is in debt to their boss

*someone who wants to leave their job but thinks they can't

*any combination of the above

 

There are several hotlines that you can call to report suspected human trafficking.  State Hotlines are often run by the Attorney General and these hotlines are typically not really hotlines but rather answering machines.  According to the limited sampling of survivors that we have spoken to, they are not very helpful.  

Perhaps more helpful would be the National Human Trafficking Resource Center's 24 hour hotline at 1-888-373-7888.  You can also text them at 233733.

 

You may feel that one of the following 24 hour hotlines is more appropriate for the specific situation that you are concerned about:

The National Dating Abuse Helpline 1-866-331-9474

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255

Rape, Abuse and Incest National Network 1-800-656-4673

National Domestic Violence Hotline 1-800-799-7233

 

It is very common for people to hesitate to get involved but know that the situation is always much uglier than it actually looks and if there isn't a real problem then there will be no real consequences, so no harm no foul.  

 

Another common question is "What if I end up with someone who is ready to get out and scared?  What then?"

The answer to this question depends on how involved you are willing to become.  You have a few choices.

You can take her to the YWCA Women in Jeopardy program and leave her in their capable hands and wonder what became of her. There is a possibility that they will not be able to take her.  If they do not have room, they will try to connect her to another program that can take her.  There is a chance that no program will.

If you live in Utah, you can call the Southvalley Sanctuary.  Their 24 hour hotline # is 801-255-1095.  This place is a gem.  They usually have room and their only requirement for entry is that the victim be female and that she be in danger.  They are dedicated to creating success stories.

If you stick around to find out what happens and if she is put on a wait list, then you can always call your ecclesiastical leader and ask if they are willing to help house her for a transitional period of about 90 days.  If you choose this route, you must be aware of what you are getting yourself into.  You have become her advocate and now have the ability to make or break her success story depending on how reliable you are and how well you help her navigate the system.  If you choose this path, visit the 

                                 page and follow that course.  This is the best chance of success.  This will not be an easy process and you should be aware that no matter how well you do your part, she may self destruct and choose to go back.  This happens.  Research Stockholm Syndrome, PTSD, and DID to understand a little better what she is up against.  If she chooses to go back, make sure she understands that you will still be there for her when she decides she is really ready to leave- should she live to see it.

Some advice- do not let her know where you live or work.  Do not give her your full name.  It is for the best- for both your protection and hers.