Human Trafficking Prevention

What is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons, is a crime that involves the exploitation of a person for the purpose of compelled sex or labor through the use of force, fraud or coercion.

Labor trafficking is the crime of using force, fraud or coercion to induce another individual to work or provide service.

Sex trafficking is the crime of using force, fraud or coercion to induce another individual to sell sex. Any person under the age of 18 who is engaged in commercial sex acts, regardless of the use of force, fraud, or coercion, is defined as a victim of human trafficking.

For more information and resources, explore the following organizations:

Polaris 

Office for Victims of Crime (OVC)

Human Trafficking Capacity Building Center 

Shared Hope International

Freedom Network

End Sexual Exploitation

UMD SafeCenter

Maryland Human Trafficking Task Force

Trans Maryland

Training Materials

These trainings are free, self-paced and available online. 

Office of Victims of Crime Training Materials

Human Trafficking 101 - UM School of Social Work

Framework: Trafficking Outreach Fundamentals

Polaris Human Trafficking 101 Training

There are several ways you can get involved: 

• Continue learning how sex and labor trafficking really happen. Visit the What is Human Trafficking tab above to access resources and information from reputable anti-trafficking organizations. 
• Volunteer with or donate funds and/or useful new goods to reputable local anti-trafficking direct service organizations, such as TurnAround or Araminta Freedom Initiative. ​More information can be found under the Volunteer Opportunities tab below.
• Organize an informational presentation on human trafficking. Request OHTP to speak to your community group(s) on trafficking at no cost in-person or virtually. Past presentations have been provided to local faith-based, school-based groups and civic groups. ​
• Be a conscientious consumer. Share with others about how human trafficking exists in the services and products they consume. Goal is to reduce purchasing of goods and services provided through trafficked labor and make it less socially acceptable to do so. Learn how to purchase products free of exploitation. 
• Follow reputable organizations on social media, re-sharing their messages, graphics and reports appropriately.​
• Speak up personally against harmful stereotypes about sex work and trafficking. ​
• Talk to local business owners and managers you have a relationship with about trafficking, connect them to OHTP.  Ask them to become an allied business by posting informational flyers, implementing basic awareness training on human trafficking for their staff and engaging with us on other socially-conscious initiatives.  ​
• Connect OHTP to free or low-cost advertising spaces, media opportunities, leads for affordable housing rental units, food or space donations for future outreach events.​
• Post informational flyers on trafficking in public and private spaces (i.e. bulletin boards, bathrooms, other ideal locations for posting phone numbers for help) that you have access too professionally and personally. Materials are available to download under the Awareness Materials tab. OHTP can also provide flyers for you and create additional flyers in response to specific requests. ​
• Come to the Human Trafficking Prevention Coordination Council meetings. All Full HTPCC and small committee meetings are open to the public and we welcome new participants to broaden our network and contribute to our work.

Looking for ways to volunteer? While we do not currently have any volunteer opportunities available, some of our partners do! Click on the links below to learn more about service providers in our community seeking volunteers. 

If you fear you or someone you know are in immediate danger contact 911. 

To Report a Suspicion of Trafficking or Other Abuse or Neglect

Howard County Police Non-Emergency: (410) 313- 2929 (all ages) 

hcpdcrimetips@howardcountymd.gov ​

Howard County DSS Child Protective Services: 410-872-4203 (minors)​

For a Suspected Trafficking Victim Who Needs Immediate Help

TurnAround​

• Weekday/Daytime: (410) 837 - 7000​
• 24/7 Help line: (443) 279 – 0379 
• 24/7 Text line: (410) 498 - 5956​

Not sure? Contact our office for guidance and more information.

Who to Call Awareness Flier - This flier is available in English, Spanish, Chinese, Korean, Vietnamese. To access the file in each language, click the language listed above.