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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:
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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 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. |
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States are reporting a disturbing trend where landlords are pressuring cash-strapped renters 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. |
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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 like 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. |
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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. 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. |
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Polaris is committed to keeping you up to date as we learn about trafficking during COVID-19. I encourage you to follow our blog, where we post the latest information and trends.
Thank you for supporting our mission every day of the year.
In Solidarity,
Nancy McGuire Choi
Interim CEO
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