stops, business parking lots, hotels, etc. TAT trains drivers, truck stop employees and others to spot the signs that a person is a potential victim, such not being allowed to speak for herself, and provides questions to ask, such as, “When was the last time you saw your family?” Drivers also are taught what to do
next. First, do not approach the traffickers, which can be dangerous to the driver and to the victim and can lead to problems with the prosecution. Instead, confidentially from the cab call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline at 888- 3737-888, or text 233733 (BeFree). Trained staff will help the driver determine if traf- ficking potentially has taken place and whether or not local law enforcement should be called. Calling the hotline pro- vides useful data to anti-trafficking efforts. Finally, Paris said truckers should notify the truck stop manager that trafficking may be occurring at their business. Paris said TAT is attempting to satu-
rate the industry with materials, including free training DVDs and wallet cards with contact information and driver tips. It also provides window decals with the hotline contact numbers, which drivers can post on their trucks where victims might see them instead of dehumanizing “No lot liz- ard” stickers. Paris praised leaders of the trucking industry that have committed themselves
to the cause. Walmart has trained its entire private fleet in human trafficking response, while all TA and Petro truck stop employ- ees are required to watch the DVD. One company offers a monetary reward to all its drivers who make a call to the hotline that leads to an investigation. Walmart and other companies donate hauls of the Freedom Drivers Project, a traveling trailer with human trafficking information and artifacts, and more haulers are needed. Paris stressed that force does not have
to be proven in court when the victim is under age 18, so drivers should not hesitate to call the hotline in those cases.
She said pimps are skillful marketers
who know how to enter the psyches of their victims, particularly young girls, and “become whatever it is she thinks she needs.” Many victims have been so manip- ulated by their pimps that they don’t seek assistance even when in police custody. “This is another reason why the driv-
er needs to make the call even if the victim is not asking for help,” she said. “If he or she suspects that human trafficking is going on, make that call. Sometimes that arrest is actually extremely important because it at least gives some time to sepa- rate the victim from the perpetrator.” R
Summer 2016 51
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