Category | News

Campaign takes closer look at human trafficking

Published on March 25, 2008 by The Sentinel

    Mark Wexler, co-founder and managing director of the San Francisco
campaign, visited Thurs. Mar. 20, to raise awareness for the “Not For
Sale Campaign.” The effort was inspired by David Batstone’s 2007 novel,
“Not For Sale.”

    “A lot of [victims] are told that it is legitimate
work and come here on work visas,” Wexler said. “Upon arrival, they are
stripped of their documentations. With lack of documentation and
language barriers, it becomes hard to prosecute human trafficking
sometimes.”

    “Slavery is prevalent today even here in Atlanta.
Right here in Cobb County, it is here in our own backyard,” Georgia
Co-State Director Dr. Keisha Hoerrner said.

    “Each of us has a role in stopping human
trafficking. Oftentimes, people who are trafficked are viewed as
worthless. So, we need to be their voice and work together to be their
voice,” Wessler said. “A lot of them come here on work visas and upon
arrival, they are stripped of their documentations. So, it becomes hard
to identify victims.”

    How can regular college students become involved in
putting an end to human trafficking? Wessler told the audience the
story of a group of 16 University of San Francisco sociology sophomores
who decided to research “red flags” that trafficking is occurring.

    For example, they observed a “massage parlor” in San
Francisco. The outside of the building had a sign displaying that it
was a massage parlor. However, the windows and doors had bars on them.
In addition, there were security cameras at the front door to monitor
who was coming in and out of the place. During the day, the only people
that entered and exited the massage parlor were men. When closing time
came, only two people left; the woman who ran the place and a
bodyguard. The students realized that not once did any of the young
girls inside leave. Lastly, if a van came to the parlor, then everyone
would leave together in the vehicle. 

    The main focus of the lecture is a mapping project
that can aid law enforcement officials in cracking down on human
trafficking. There are five main steps in a mapping project in which a
head staff member can supervise. Wexler warns that “It is important
that when conducting your surveillance that you do not go alone. Always
go in pairs and [make sure] that your supervisor knows about it.”

    Toward the end of the presentation, Dr. Hoerrner
challenged the audience to become a part of the campaign. Also, for
those who do not want to participate in the mapping project, there are
other means of helping the campaign, including less intense activities
such as “Free to Play” and “Free to Be.” These programs include giving
out t-shirts at local sports games to raise awareness.