Traditional depictio
ns of trafficking may give you specific ideas about what it looks like, but the reality is vastly different from the images we often see on television or in films. Human trafficking is happening every day in Nassau County, in our communities and on our streets. Traffickers rarely use handcuffs or chains — instead, they control their victims with threats, psychological manipulation, and violence. Oftentimes, traffickers will encourage a “trauma bond” between themselves and their victims, very similar to the bond that develops in a domestic violence relationship.
Connection to Domestic Violence and Child Abuse
The Safe Center recognizes the correlation between domestic violence, child abuse, and human trafficking, and provides comprehensive services to victims based on this understanding. Traffickers utilize a mix of loyalty, fear, and dependence, making it difficult for a victim to leave. These tactics often cause victims to relapse and return to the trafficker or abuser, even after they seek help and services. This can be very frustrating to service providers, so it is important for them to remember that, similar to the situation facing domestic violence victims, it may take many attempts for a trafficking victim to break ties with his or her trafficker.
Working Proactively and Collaboratively
In some cases, survivors may not understand that they are being exploited and are victims of a crime. The Safe Center takes a proactive approach to identifying clients by collaborating with other agencies in Nassau County who are likely to see or work with this population. For example, The Safe Harbor program works to connect children who are at-risk or who have been trafficked, with specialized services utilizing a multi-disciplinary approach. Specifically, The Safe Center is able to provide clinical and forensic services to youth, as well as case coordination assistance.
Serena Curry, our Safe Harbor Coordinator, is working to develop a county-wide service network by conducting education and outreach with local agencies that are likely to serve trafficked youth. Safe Harbor partners include the Department of Social Services, Nassau County District Attorney’s Office, Nassau County Police Department, Nassau Haven, and Nassau County Probation Department.
Humanizing the Issue
Tabitha Carter and Esther Lai from the Adult Human Trafficking Program work proactively through the Nassau County Human Trafficking Intervention Program to provide clinical services and advocacy to individuals with prostitution charges. This program recognizes the inherent risk of violence for an individual involved in prostitution, and the likelihood that those who are referred to The Safe Center are survivors of severe trauma, victimization, and human trafficking. Tabitha and Esther play a critical role in “humanizing” the issue of human trafficking, and are tireless advocates for their clients.
Resources
The Safe Center Hotline staff is trained on identifying potential trafficking cases, and act as a primary first contact for clients.
Hotline: 516-542-0404
National Human Trafficking Resource Center: http://traffickingresourcecenter.org/
NYS Office of Children & Family Services: http://ocfs.ny.gov/main/humantrafficking/