Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery where people profit from the control and exploitation of others. 

Sex traffickers use violence, threats, lies, debt bondage, and other forms of coercion to force women, men and children to engage in commercial sex acts against their will. Under federal law, any minor under the age of 18 years induced into commercial sex is a victim of sex trafficking.

Victims are manipulated, deceived and violated by their traffickers, trapping them in horrific situations every day in our communities. All trafficking victims share one essential experience - the loss of freedom.

Know how to help

If you suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking, please call the:

National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888

Call to report a tip or request training, technical assistance, general information or resources to combat trafficking.

To report a tip locally, call our confidential 24-Hour Human Trafficking Helpline: (209) 948-1911.

Consider the following when helping someone who may be a victim:

• Some victims have a strong sense of distrust.
• Many victims do not see themselves as victims and do not realize what is being done to them is wrong.
• Victims often bond with their abuser in spite of experiencing physical or sexual violence.

The sex trafficking industry is incredibly dangerous. Use caution when reaching out to victims and enlist the help of law enforcement and experienced social service organizations before intervening.

If you are a professional working on a health care setting and you need to learn how to identify and respond to a potential victim of human trafficking, please click the links below to access resources and more information.

TOOLKIT

Provided by HT Healthcare Workgroup and Dignity Health St. Joseph's Medical Center

Click below to download the files. 

Toolkit includes:

1. Human Trafficking Patient Services Algorithm
2. RED Flag Assessment
3. Identification and Intervention
4. Dignity Health HTRP Shared Learnings Manual
5. HT Community Resource Algorithm
6. HEAL Trafficking Protocol Toolkit 
7. National HT Resource Center
8. Mercy Family Health Center- HT Medical Safe Haven Program and Shared Learning Manual
9. SOAR Human Trafficking
10. Federal Government Human Trafficking
11. District Attorney San Joaquin Court
12. HEAL Network
13. Women’s Center- Youth and Family Services
14. WCYFS Interagency Referral Process Form
15. Community Medical Center