On Sunday, January 12th, members from St. Justin Martyr Parish and beyond gathered in the Parish Hall to hear speakers from various groups regarding Human Trafficking. Stories were shared, and tips were given to create a greater awareness of the subject and what signs to look for.
Thank you to the ALLIANCE AGAINST HUMAN TRAFFICKING (a Lake County non-profit on Human Trafficking), Jenna Bind, President, for her presentation, and Carolyn Kinkoph for sharing a personal story of the tragedy and loss of her daughter, Courtney.
Beth Rossetti, Pastoral Associate from St. Justin Martyr, is a board member of the Alliance Against Human Trafficking. Those in attendance on Sunday saw a list of those who have been convicted of human trafficking in Lake County, so they realized that this is real and how close it hits home. Someone on that list was even from Eastlake.
Red Flags of Labor Trafficking
Owe money to an employer or recruiter and/or not being paid what they were promised, not in control of passport or other identity documents.
Their boss is threatening someone with deportation or harm
Signs of physical injuries and/or abuse
Working excessively long hours in poor conditions
Appear to be monitored by another person when talking or interacting with others.
Hungry, sleep-deprived, inappropriately dressed for the weather
Coached rehearsed responses to questions
Acts uncharacteristically promiscuous and references sexual situations/terminology beyond age-specific norms.
Noticeably, older boyfriend or girlfriend
A speaker from the Harriet Tubman Movement introduced this organization that helps those trafficked to heal and relocate for a better life. In addition to parishioners, a representative from the Cleveland diocese attended to learn more about Human Trafficking.
Essential phone numbers that were given out—
Always call 911 if the victim is in danger.
Ohio Human Trafficking Hotline 844-END-OHHT—(363-6448)
Cleveland Rape Crisis Center Project STAR 855-431-STAR (7827)
NEO Regional Human Trafficking Task Force 216-443-6085