Human Trafficking
We know. That headline was probably just as horrid for you to read as it was for us to write. Today we’re departing from our usual style and beauty content to share a really difficult story with you. A personal and harrowing account of an attempted abduction that happened to our very own Social Media Manager, Alissa.
It’s estimated that over 1 million people are trafficked each year for the purpose of sexual exploitation or forced labor. We all know human trafficking exists, and that abductions occur every day, but it’s easy (and often most comfortable) to brush away any concern with a “not me,” “not here” mentality.
Human trafficking IS a global problem. It’s happening in affluent neighborhoods, and in our own backyards. As women, we know to be cautious in stores, parking lots, parking garages, and when walking at night (to name a few)… but sadly, the potential for harm doesn’t stop there. We don’t want to scare you but we do want to educate you about the risks, how to be vigilant, and measures you can take to protect yourself and loved ones. We’ll also share some common myths and misconceptions to ultimately quiet the “this can’t happen to me” voice in your head.
You can find more of our We Need To Talk About topics and conversations here.
Alissa’s Story
I count myself a very observant and cautious person. I have read and heard countless women’s stories regarding suspicious activity that indicated a possible attempt at abduction. And I knew the basic red flags to look for, but NEVER did I expect what happened to me…
Last year on Halloween night, I set out to trick-or-treat with my two young children in our neighborhood. The neighborhood is small, nestled in a quiet and affluent area, filled with many friendly faces I’ve known for years. We set out early with a plan to make a quick pass through the neighborhood before dinner. It was overcast and drizzling, but still light. There was one couple with a young child a few houses in front of us. I had never met them, but had seen them walking in the neighborhood before.
Myth #1)
Human Trafficking Only Happens in Foreign Countries or in Poor Neighborhoods
Human trafficking exists in every country. It’s a problem nationwide—in cities, suburbs, and rural towns—and possibly in your own community.
An Unlikely Threat
As we made our way towards the back of the neighborhood, I noticed a young teenage girl standing in the middle of the road holding a phone out as if it were on speakerphone. I assumed she lived at one of the houses she was standing near, and thinking little of her presence there, we continued on our way down the next cul de sac. Upon circling back to the same area, the young girl proceeded to join my children and follow them to the door of the next house to trick-or-treat with them. She said nothing to me or my children and continued to hold her phone out in front of her. The phone was clearly in active use as if on speakerphone, but no one was talking, nor was she looking at anything on it.
At this point, I’ll be honest… I was thinking “wow, that’s kind of a punk move to use kids you don’t even know to get candy.” Then to my surprise, she continued to follow us from house to house. We caught up to the couple and their child ahead of us, and as the three kids ran up a long driveway at the next house, the girl sparked up conversation with me asking if I lived in the neighborhood. Without thinking anything of it, I gestured and said I lived down a certain way. When I asked her the same (fully expecting her to state she lived in a house we were approaching) she responded that she did not live in the neighborhood and was visiting a cousin.
During our brief conversation, she continued to hold her phone out in front of her.
At this point, it was very clear it was on speakerphone. As I walked away towards my children, I also heard her mumble her location into the phone.
Myth #2)
Human Trafficking Victims Will Try to Seek Help From Others When in Public.
The teen girl on the phone was likely a victim herself. She made no attempt to ask for Alissa’s help even though she had ample opportunity. Likely due to fear.
Internal Alarms
Minutes later when we proceeded back down the long driveway, I saw an older car with all-tinted windows had appeared and was parked at a neighborhood crossroad near us. The front passenger window was lowered 2-3 inches, allowing me to see two large males inside who were clearly watching us.
Internal alarms were blasting, but I didn’t want to appear paranoid or overly dramatic, so I continued along with caution… an action that could have cost me everything.
I took both children firmly by the hand as we walked on with the couple and their child… the young girl in tow. As we approached the very last house before a long stretch of road with only a bridge ahead to get to the next section of the neighborhood, the couple announced this was their home and proceeded to get ready to go inside. As my children walked up to get candy from the bowl on the front porch, the teenage girl stayed back this time. With her phone still out (and someone clearly listening), she began asking me questions… Was I single? Did I have someone waiting for me at home? How old was I? Was I in college?
Myth #3)
Human Trafficking Abductors are Scary-looking Men.
While in Alissa’s case the men in the car were likely there to strong-arm the actual physical abduction, all of the initial baiting happened with the teen girl – a very unlikely and unexpected threat.
Trusting Instincts
As she peppered me with what I knew to be textbook profiling questions, everything in me knew I needed to act immediately. I stumbled through responding with vague answers and took note of my surroundings. As I turned around, I saw that the car with two men had pulled up and sat waiting not 15 feet behind me on the road. With nowhere else to go, I swiftly walked to my barely-acquainted neighbor as she typed in the code on her garage door. Grabbing her firmly by the arm, I told her something was not right, that I did not feel safe, and I asked if she and her husband would allow me and my kids into their home.
Despite not even being aware of the situation at hand, they did not hesitate to help us. For that, I am grateful beyond words. If we had walked on, there is no way I could have protected myself and both children. There is nowhere else we could have gone. No one would have seen us to help. One of us would almost assuredly not be here today.
Upon our entrance into the neighbor’s home, the girl proceeded to get inside the car. They quickly departed before the police arrived on scene. The police confirmed that there was no doubt of their intentions and deployed more officers to patrol the surrounding neighborhoods as they believed there could likely be more girls stationed to flag potential targets. Our trick-or-treat bounty was taken by an officer to ensure no Airtags or contaminants were hidden inside. We were escorted home and instructed to be on guard for the upcoming weeks, even months, in case we had been flagged as continued targets.
This is the type of experience that shocks you to your core.
It’s the one that keeps you up at night. It’s the one that leaves you fearful to step outside your door. And it’s the one that is meant to be shared, because the victim wasn’t me this time… but it could have been. And it could be you.
Myth #4) Only Women and Children are at Risk for Trafficking
Men or also at risk for not only sex trafficking but forced labor and illegal drug transportation. Human trafficking victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality.
How To Protect Yourself
Fortunately, there are many actions and steps you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. This experience taught me a few critical lessons I’d like to personally add to that list.
- Be aware of your surroundings at all times
- Danger may not always be easily recognizable. A false sense of security can make you an easier target.
- Listen to your gut. I cannot stress this one enough.
- Waiting to take action will likely leave you with no action to take.
- Seek help from others immediately.
- Do not be afraid to cause a commotion.
- Be prepared. Always carry with you one method of protection (pepper spray, alarm, etc.), even in familiar and “safe” locations such as your neighborhood.
- Protect your personal information… Do not share the location of your home with strangers. Do not share specific names and ages of your family with strangers. Be careful what you put on social media (where your children go to school, your neighborhood, your travel information). This information can be used to target you, your family, or your home.
- Don’t be afraid to be “rude” to strangers. If something feels “off” it probably is.
A huge thank you to Alissa, for her bravery in sharing her personal story. If you have personal safety tips to share, please leave us a note in the comments. Our hope is that others might benefit from your suggestions. Be safe.
