Hi, I'm Officer Natasha Haunsperger with the Portland Police Bureau. January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. In Portland, discussions about trafficking often focus on sex trafficking, which is understandable. This is because sex trafficking tends to be more visible to the public, easier to disrupt as criminal activity, and more likely that victims are identified and helped. However, another type of trafficking that greatly affects our city is labor trafficking. Victims may be found working in private homes such as caretakers, nannies, or domestic help, as well as in construction, the hospitality industry, factories, restaurants, agriculture, and other sectors. Labor trafficking occurs when traffickers or illegal actors use force, fraud, or coercion to compel individuals to work or exchange services such as shelter, food, or medication. Men, women, and children, regardless of whether they are US or foreign born, from all socioeconomic levels, can be victims of labor trafficking. The most vulnerable groups prone to recruitment and exploitation include runaway and homeless youth as well as immigrants. Victims often work long hours for little or no pay and may face physical, mental, or sexual abuse and threats. Like sex trafficking, labor trafficking often occurs in plain sight, which is why it is important to recognize these red flags that may indicate criminal activity and abuse. The victim lives in isolated conditions, does not have proper safety gear when working in dangerous sites such as construction or forestry. The victim is transported to and from the location. The victim does not control their own identification documents. They owe a large debt to traffickers. The victim exhibits physical manifestations of exhaustion or malnutrition. The victim is deprived of access to health care. They may speak very little English and traffickers often act as interpreters. The victim fears deportation or harm to their family members. The Portland Police Bureau is committed to identifying and assisting victims of sex and labor trafficking. Our human trafficking unit works alongside law enforcement partners and community- based organizations to investigate cases, support victims, and hold traffickers accountable. Immigrant victims of human trafficking can also apply for a T visa, also known as a trafficking visa. These visas provide protection to victims and enhance law enforcement's capacity to detect, investigate, and prosecute human trafficking cases. If you or someone you know might be experiencing trafficking or if something feels off, don't hesitate to reach out. Support is available and victims are not alone.