The Texas State Senate
http://www.senate.state.tx.us

Texas House of Representatives
http://www.house.state.tx.us/

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Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is modern day slavery. Kevin Bales of Free the Slaves defines it as "a relationship in which one person is controlled by violence through violence, the threat of violence, or psychological coercion, has lost free will and free movement, is exploited economically, and paid nothing beyond subsistence."

BE THE ONE in the fight against Human Trafficking

You Can Be The One

Report it. It is better to make the call and be wrong than leave someone enslaved a moment longer.

1. If the situation is an emergency or you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911 and alert the authorities. Tell them you think it may be human trafficking or slavery so that it can be routed to the proper investigators. Follow that call with a call to the National Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-3737-888 or report online at Report@PolarisProject.org.
2. Include actionable information, names, descriptions of what you saw, heard, when and where. If vehicles are involved try to include license plate numbers or makes, models and colors.
3. Call as soon as possible after you make the observations. The fresher the information, the more likely law enforcement can take action.
4. Don't intervene yourself. Traffickers can be dangerous. Allow law enforcement to respond.

What To Do If You're Unsure

If you can safely obtain more information, do so. Talk with the individual in a private setting that is non-threatening if you have the type of relationship that allows you to have that conversation comfortably. If you have a concern that such a conversation would put you or that person in danger, then make the call to report instead.

1. Call the National Hotline. 1-888-373-7888 or text "Help" or "Info" to 233733. The hotline is staffed 24/7 with people trained in recognizing and identifying trafficking. They can help you make sense of the information that you have and recommend next steps.
2. Call law enforcement or your local district attorney's office through a non-emergency number and ask to speak to someone who works on trafficking cases. Many of the larger jurisdictions have specialized law enforcement and assistant district attorneys who can talk through the situation with you.
3. Call the Department of Public Safety. They have victim advocates who specialize in human trafficking stationed across the state. Department of Public Safety Victim Service Counselors
4. Call Child Protective Services if a child is involved. Tell them you have concerns for trafficking during your intake call or online report. 1-800-252-5400. Texas Abuse Hotline Login
5. Call the Office of the Attorney General, Human Trafficking Prosecutor at 512-463-1646 or email at humantrafficking@texasattorneygeneral.gov. The Office of the Attorney General has law enforcement officers specifically trained to combat and investigate human trafficking and has conducted sting and rescue operations across the state.