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