January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month | |
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Common Human Trafficking Red Flags
Knowing the signs of human trafficking is an important tool to help prevent it. While the below red flags may not be an exhaustive list, they are important signs that could alert you to a trafficking situation.
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Labor Trafficking
- Feel pressured by their employer to stay in a job or situation they want to leave
- Owe money to an employer or recruiter and/or not being paid what they were promised or are owed
- Do not have control of their passport or other identity documents
- Are living and working in isolated conditions, largely cut off from interaction with others or support systems
- Appear to be monitored by another person when talking or interacting with others
- Are living in dangerous, overcrowded, or inhumane conditions provided by an employer
- Are being threatened by their boss with deportation or other harm
- Are working in dangerous conditions, without proper safety gear, training, adequate breaks, and other protections
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Sex Trafficking
- They want to stop participating in selling or trading sex but feel scared or unable to leave
- They disclose that they were reluctant to engage in selling sex but that someone pressured them into it
- They live where they work or are transported by guards between home and workplace
- They are children who live with or are supported by or dependent on a family member with a substance abuse problem or who is abusive in other ways
- They have a pimp or manager in the sex trade
- They work in an industry where it may be common to be pressured into performing sex acts for money, such as a strip club, illicit cantina, go-go bar, or illicit massage business
- They have an older, or simply controlling parent, guardian, romantic partner, or “sponsor” who will not allow you to meet or speak with the person alone or monitors their movements, spending, and/or communications
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If you or someone you know is experiencing human trafficking, please contact the numbers below.
Opening Doors Human Trafficking Hotline
(916) 504-1118
National Human Trafficking Hotline
1-888-373-7888
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Thank You for Supporting the Meaning of Welcome | |
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We are thrilled to share that, thanks to a few final donations last week, we surpassed our $100,000 goal for the Meaning of Welcome campaign, raising an incredible $102,347! A special thank you to our Board of Directors and Denise and Donald Timmons for their match of $25,000.
Your generosity ensures that Opening Doors can continue providing life-changing programs that support immigrants, refugees, and survivors of trafficking in rebuilding their lives and thriving in our community. With upcoming policies that will make the lives of immigrants, refugees, and survivors of trafficking more difficult, your unwavering support of Opening Doors is more impactful than ever.
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CARE Community Briefing: Immigrant Rights Resources | |
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In response to the incoming administration’s threats of mass arrests, detention, and deportations, California Attorney General Rob Bonta issued updated model policies and recommendations to guide public institutions in complying with California law limiting state and local participation in immigration enforcement activities. Please join the Office of Community Awareness, Response and Engagement (CARE) for a virtual event to learn more about these resources.
CARE Community Briefing: Immigrant Rights Resources
Friday, January 10, 2025
11:00-11:30 AM
Virtual Presentation
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From Exploitation to Empowerment | |
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During the height of the COVID-19 pandemic, a man came to us through a referral from the Office of Trafficking in Persons. He had endured the horrors of labor trafficking while working at a supermarket in Sacramento.
Despite the trauma he faced, he displayed incredible courage by assisting federal agencies in their investigation and even encouraging his coworkers to come forward and share their stories. Life wasn’t easy for him, especially when he had to make the heartbreaking decision to give up custody of his daughter due to financial struggles. But he didn’t give up. He reached out to Opening Doors, where we worked together to create a plan tailored to his needs.
With support from our Survivors of Trafficking and Immigration Legal Services teams, over the next few years, he navigated the challenging process of applying for a T-Visa, received rental assistance, and participated in our financial literacy workshop. Despite the emotional toll of his experiences, he kept going and eventually found a job that fit his needs.
Today, he continues to stand by his former coworkers, speaking up whenever something feels unjust. His journey is a powerful reminder of the resilience and strength that individuals can show, even in the face of unimaginable challenges.
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Welcome Kits are room-specific kits of basic items that a new arrival needs to set up a household. Donating Welcome Kits or the individual items they contain is a simple yet powerful way to support newly arrived refugees and help them begin their new lives with dignity and comfort.
This month, we are in particular need of bathroom and cleaning kits.
For any questions regarding Welcome Kits or Drop Off Days, please reach out to volunteers@openingdoorsinc.org.
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RSVP for an upcoming Welcome Kit Drop Off Day: | | | |
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Welcoming refugees.
Defending immigrants.
Supporting survivors.
Enriching communities.
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