NHPO Think Tank discusses modern day slavery in Central Texas
Billy J. Sifuentes, Human Trafficking Liaison for the City of Austin, met with the Austin Chapter of National Hispanic Professional Organization to discuss human trafficking in the Texas area. The speaker further explained how this problem of illegal trade in human beings for the purposes of commercial sexual exploitation or forced labor is quickly becoming the fastest growing criminal industry in the world, tied with the illegal arms industry as the second largest, after the drug-trade.
Members of the community were educated on how to do their own part in stopping the continuing of this crime. Sifuentes explains, “The best way to combat this problem is to be aware of what is going on in your neighborhood and be alert.” A clear sign of a safe house with such activity is that there are people going in and out for fifteen minutes at a time.
Windows covered by thick sheets is another determination to look for. Victims are usually moved around every two to three weeks. Seeing young girls go into a dwelling and not ever come out can be another indication. For community members wanting to further help, Sifuentes states, “there is no reason to re-invent the wheel, there are many organizations in place to assist, so volunteer with groups like Catholic Charities, Safeplace, and Refugee Services of Texas, Inc.”
There are many staggering statistics with the problem: 70 % of trafficked persons in the U.S. for the purposes of labor and sexual exploitation are people of color. Domestically, 50 % of trafficked victims are children, an overwhelmingly are girls, and 80% are women and children, according to the U.S. Department of Justice. Most disturbing 25 % of all human trafficking victims are in Texas, making this a local problem. Key elements of fraud, force, or coercion distinguish trafficking from smuggling. Regardless if these components are involved or not, anyone under 18 determined to be involved in a commercial sex act is considered trafficking.
Often associated exclusively with immigrant or foreign populations, a significant number of human trafficking victims are actually U.S citizens. In 2009, due to certain demands within this illegal industry, United States became a source country. Victims were taking from this country and sold to other countries.
To continue with battling this crime, Billy J. Sifuentes can reached at 974.4971, billy.sifuentes@ci.austin.tx.us and is available for training on this information to clinics, officers, and community groups.
By Monica Pena
Austin Times Staff
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