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Human trafficking in Finger Lakes region: ‘It’s real, and it’s here’
Jannine Phillips, Yates County program director with Safe Harbors of the Finger Lakes, said people often have a misconception about what defines human trafficking.
Like Crawford and Stevens, Phillips said the crime ismore common than people think.
“People should be awarethis is happening in our community,” Phillips said.
In fact, 20 minutes into Phillips’ first human trafficking training session she realized she had served individuals who were victims of human trafficking, but since little was known about it at the time, their cases had been misidentified.
Safe Harbors began receiving funding about three years ago to increase awareness in the region about human trafficking. The agency serves Ontario, Seneca and Yates counties.
Since then, Safe Harbors has been working to increase awareness. A full-time human trafficking advocate is on staff and the agency distributes posters, rack cards and brochures on the subject throughout the region.
Staff also regularly give presentations to various schools and organizations, tailoring the talks to the audience.
Phillips is also a member of theOntario County Sexually Exploited Youth Task Force,which was formed in conjunction with theNew York State Office of Children and Family Services,a coordinated statewide response to victims and survivors of commercial sexual exploitation of children and child trafficking.
Human trafficking is similar to domestic violence and often times victims can’t, or won’t, speak out, Phillips said. There are signs to look for that could indicate an issue, such as a teen who is a repeat runaway or one who has multiple cell phones.
Human trafficking is about manipulation and control, Phillips noted.
“They aren’t physically imprisoned, they’re psychologically imprisoned,” she said.
To help
If you suspect a case of human trafficking or are a victim, call the Safe Harbors 24-hour local hotline at 1-800-247-7273.
https://www.mpnnow.com/news/20191109/human-trafficking-in-finger-lakes-region-its-real-and-its-here