Atlanta is a central hub for human trafficking. Here’s how you can help with this issue.

By Allison Joyner

Every year, millions of men, women and children are trafficked all over the U.S. and worldwide but local nonprofit Youth Spark is helping victims by giving them a safe space to recover. This nonprofit advocate for better laws and policies and informs the community how they can partner in their fight.

The organization grew to provide services, education and advocacy to the exploited and abused victims of these horrific crimes. 

Youth Spark — formally the juvenile justice fund — was founded in the early 2000s by former juvenile court judge Nina Hickson who saw a trend in girls as young as 12 being charged with prostitution. She and other local politicians created a safe house called the Youth Service Center for girls ages 12 to 17, the first in the Southeast.   

Today, Youth Spark has housed over 800 young people in their center and trained over 1,400 law enforcement officers in over 70 counties nationwide. For example, when Atlanta was preparing to host Super Bowl LIII in 2019, Youth Spark collaborated with Uber, training drivers on what to do if they suspected a passenger was being trafficked. 

Jennifer Swain, Executive Director of Youth Spark, said Georgia is one of the leading states in creating legislation that combats human trafficking, which has helped her organization be more proactive in rescuing victims. Community support is key to helping victims get the help they need. 

Know the difference between human, sex and labor trafficking. 

According to the Department of Homeland Security, human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud or coercion to obtain some labor or commercial sex act. Violence, manipulation, false promises and romantic relationships are some tactics traffickers use to lure victims. There are two types of human trafficking that people should be aware of.

Sex trafficking involves the illegal recruitment and transportation of individuals for the purposes of sexual exploitation. Labor trafficking is similar and involves through the use of force, fraud or coercion to subject someone to servitude, debt bondage or slavery.

How can you know if someone is being trafficked? There are signs.

A change in behavior and actions

We all know that tweens’ and teens’ emotions and attitudes change at a moment’s notice, but these swings could also be a sign that they are in trouble. If the behavior of a young person in your family or community has changed dramatically, it might be cause for alarm. Also, watch out for these signs: 

• Running away from home
• a drop in grades at school
• unusual relationships with adults person
• have large unexplained amounts of cash
• concerning brands or tattoos
  

Swain also warns parents that when their child is not around them, it is an opportunity for them to be recruited by a trafficker. 

“I tell people all the time that if your kid goes to school, goes to the mall or goes anywhere without you, they are vulnerable,” Swain said. “Adults who seek harm to kids that put themselves in positions to be around young people.”

A newer form of recruitment happens when kids have conversations with unknown people while playing certain video games while using headsets. A trafficker could initiate a discussion within the game and lure them into directing messaging on a social media platform. 

“When young boys have access to video games, they engage with adults and other people through those chats and console systems,” Swain said. Making sure your child only plays with other kids or adults you know can reduce the chances of them being in contact with a recruiter.

What to Do if You Suspect Someone is a Victim of Human Trafficking

If you suspect someone is being trafficked, contact the authorities right away. In addition to calling 911, there are other ways to report if you see someone being exploited:

DHS Federal Law Enforcement -1-866-347-2423

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

Atlanta Law Enforcement Tipline (404)572-TIPS

When contacting authorities, there are a few things to remember.

Clearly describe the victim and trafficker(s)

When you are reporting a possible trafficking event to local, state or federal authorities, language is vital to making sure they rescue or apprehend the right person.

“If you say that you see a ‘12-year-old prostitute’ to whoever you are responding to, law enforcement is going to look for a prostitute,” Swain said. “When you use the word ‘trafficked’ that alerts the caller differently and the response is likely different.” 

Swain encourages residents to note what the victim and the trafficker are wearing as well as their surroundings and situation. Give descriptions of certain accessories, details about the car they’re using, and where and at what time the incident occurred. 

“If you see that young person with an adult that looks like an unequal power dynamic, something inherently will feel different with you,” Swain said.

Beyond contacting authorities, there are other ways you can help, too.

Become a Community Ambassador

Youth Spark is always looking for community ambassadors and volunteers to partner with them in reducing human trafficking from progressing in the metro area. Their training sessions will teach you how to advocate for the youth in your life and get them help if needed. Extensive training and background checks for those interested in volunteering at the Youth Services Center are required. 

Volunteers are also needed to call legislators on specific bills for a vote at the state capital and fundraising opportunities to help with daily operations.  

Visit Youth Spark’s website for more information and to receive alerts regarding possible trafficking activity in your community.