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WHAT IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING? Human Trafficking involves victims who are forced, defrauded or coerced into labor or sexual exploitation. According to the U.S. State Department, Bureau of Public Affairs, anywhere between 600,000 to 800,000 people -- mostly women and children -- are trafficked across national borders annually. This does include the millions trafficked within their own countries. People are snared into trafficking by many means. In some cases, physical force is used. In other cases, false promises are made regarding job opportunities or marriages in foreign countries to entrap victims. Human trafficking has a devastating impact on individual victims, who often suffer physical and emotional abuse, rape, threats against self and family, passport theft, and even death. HOW IS SPD FIGHTING THIS ISSUE? Seattle Police Department has devoted one full-time detective position that specializes in investigating Human Trafficking. In addition to provide specialized services to these victims, the department partners with advocacy agencies, who are often the first to recognize this crime is occurring, to ensure early detection and effective intervention. SPD also partnered with the Refugee Women's Alliance to put SPD is also working with the Washington State Coalition for Language Access to get more uniform interpretative services throughout the state. Since 2005, the Seattle Police Department has identified over 60 victims of human trafficking and referred them to appropriate agencies. |
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