An update regarding human trafficking during COVID-19

[[link removed]]Dear John,

I want to reach out with an update as Polaris continues to track how COVID-19 is
affecting the sex and labor trafficking landscape. As I wrote in my last note,
we can't know the full extent of the virus's impact because of the hidden nature
of trafficking. But, we do know that the crime thrives on chaos and desperation.

That means in times like these, vulnerable populations are even more susceptible
to violence, abuse, and exploitation. Understanding how marginalized communities are likely to face greater risk than
ever is the important first step to enacting change. Here are a few things we've
seen and heard:

• One of the major needs we are hearing from victims and survivors is safe
shelter. With states under stay-at-home orders, it has become more challenging
to connect victims who contact the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline
[[link removed]] with in-person resources in their communities. Many shelters are no longer
accepting new clients, or have limited space as a result of the crisis. The
Trafficking Hotline will continue to be an important social safety net to
connect survivors on the ground to the best resources in their area and to
support them in navigating the COVID-19 landscape. • States are reporting a disturbing trend where landlords are pressuring cash-strapped renters
[[link removed]] to trade sexual services in return for keeping a roof over their head. Make no
mistake - this is human trafficking - using coercion in the form of threats of
eviction to pressure people into sexual activity. • As much of the country is now working at home - if at all - the very people we
trust to care for those homes, and for our loved ones, are facing economic
devastation. Domestic workers experience conditions that make them extremely vulnerable to
labor trafficking
[[link removed]] l ike isolation, informal working arrangements, and a near total lack of
protection under U.S. labor laws. Those same conditions mean that the help the
government provides for other sectors of the econony as a result of the pandemic
will leave many domestic workers behind. That in turn increases vulnerability
that can lead to trafficking and exploitation. • Family members who struggle to keep food on the table and the lights turned on
could turn to desperate means to provide for their loved ones
[[link removed]] . People will take jobs that may be exploitative, off-the-books, or less than
minimum wage with no legal or health protections. For people in dire economic
straits, or without legal documentation to work in this country, traffickers
will find ways to keep them trapped in this situation.Polaris is committed to keeping you up to date as we learn about trafficking
during COVID-19. I encourage you to follow our blog [[link removed]] , where we post the latest information and trends.

Thank you for supporting our mission
[[link removed]] every day of the year.

In Solidarity,

Nancy McGuire Choi
Interim CEO


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