MoDOT, MSHP bring awareness to human trafficking
JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (KMIZ)
The Missouri State Highway Patrol and Missouri Department of Transportation announced in separate press releases on Friday that they will participate in a trafficking awareness initiative next week.
January is National Human Trafficking Prevention Month, marking the anniversary of the passage of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, MoDOT said.
“Human trafficking remains a growing concern in Missouri, particularly along the interstate corridors,” MoDOT Director Patrick McKenna said in a press release. “That makes uniting the efforts of everyone in the transportation sector of vital importance in combatting this rapidly expanding criminal enterprise.”
This initiative is an effort to educate residents on what signs to look for and what to do in these situations.
Human trafficking is illegal exploitation of a person through force, fraud or coercion, according to the release. It can take the form of sex trafficking, forced labor or domestic servitude. According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, there were 240 human trafficking cases reported in Missouri in 2021.
“Human trafficking often involves our nation’s transportation systems, including Missouri’s roadways,” MSHP Col. Eric Olson said in a press release. “Our commercial vehicle drivers, inspectors, law enforcement officers, and the general public need to know what to look for and how to respond to these situations to help rescue the vulnerable people being exploited.”
According to the highway patrol, signs of human trafficking may include:
- The presence of an older “boyfriend” or “girlfriend.”
- A child traveling with an older adult who isn’t a guardian.
- Signs of psychological coercion, such as depression, anxiety, and/or an overly submissive attitude.
- Someone having a lack of control over his/her schedule, money, and/or items proving identification.
- Physical trauma such as bruises, cuts, burns and scars.
- Poor health.
- Coached/rehearsed responses to questions.
- Substance abuse or addictions, selling drugs.
- Homelessness.
Suspected human trafficking can be reported at 1-888-373-7888.
