Soroptimist Stop Trafficking

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Soroptimist Stop TraffickingA Soroptimist
International of the Americas Program thanks to
Founder Region!
1-888-373-7888

• An Update
• November 2009

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Whats happened since the project was launched in
2007?

• US Govt State of Calif (among others) have
  declared January 11 Human Trafficking Awareness
  Day
• Soroptimist International of the Americas made
  trafficking awareness a regular ongoing project
• Soroptimist International joins the Stop the
  Traffik Global Coalition
• http//www.stopthetraffik.org/default.aspx

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What is Human Trafficking?

• Human trafficking is a hidden crime, a modern-day
  form of slavery. It means controlling a person
  through force, fraud or coercion - physical or
  psychological - to exploit the person for forced
  labor, sexual exploitation, or both. It means the
  deprivation of freedom and the abuse of basic
  human rights.
• According to the federal government, after drug
  dealing, human trafficking is tied with the
  illegal arms industry as the second largest
  criminal industry in the world today, and it is
  the fastest growing. California's extensive
  international border, its major harbors and
  airports, its powerful economy and accelerating
  population, its large immigrant population and
  its industries make it a prime target for
  traffickers. In addition to the horrific impact
  on trafficked victims, the links between human
  trafficking, human smuggling, drug trafficking
  and money laundering expand the reach of violent
  crimes associated with trafficking in human
  beings.

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Is it happening here?

• News articles
• 9/1/09 Bill authored by Yee may give cops more
  money to fight human trafficking
• 3/13/09 Vacaville man arrested for Human
  Trafficking, False Imprisonment
• US DOJ Criminal Section Press Releases 15
  press releases related to human trafficking in
  2009 to date

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An easy way to support the global problem

• SI Presidents Appeal 2009 Hopes and dreams
  for everyone Prevent human trafficking from
  Moldova by providing life-skill education and
  sustainable living conditions for vulnerable
  children
• Give generously to this program this December

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What can we do locally?10 Ways WE Can Stop Human
Trafficking

• (from www.mariashriver.com)
• Become educated
• Know your neighbors
• Recognize good samaritans
• Be aware of the law
• Know how to act
• Pass it on
• Serve your community
• Be a voice for the voiceless
• Take a stand
• Listen and learn

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What else can we do?

• Plan an event for Human trafficking Awareness Day
  January 11
• Find out what law enforcement agencies are doing
  to educate their officers
• Provide articles for your local media
• Theres a Sonoma County Task Force on Human
  Traffickingit was started by the Soroptimist
  Clubs in Sonoma County!
• Other ideas?

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For more information

• www.soroptimist.org go to programs
• www.soroptimistinternational.org
• www.rescueandrestore.org
• www.humantrafficking.org
• www.stopthetraffik.org
• www.ohs.ca.gov/human_trafficking.html