Human trafficking is exploitation of another person for profit, and the forms it takes are constantly evolving. It includes sex trafficking, child sex trafficking (when the victim is a minor, any commercial sex act is considered human trafficking), forced labor or labor trafficking, child soldiers, debt bondage, domestic servitude, among others. Victims lose their individual freedom and, many times, their identity when trafficked.
While a common perception of trafficking includes being kidnapped or abducted, this is far from the norm. The traffickers exploit their victim’s vulnerabilities, keeping them hostage psychologically. This means victims can still be living in their home, attending school, and/or participating in their community. And, just as anyone can be a victim, anyone can be a trafficker—a parent, relative, boyfriend, girlfriend, or someone you meet online.
To Get help:
If you are in immediate danger, call 911
For IA Call SafePlace (800)982-7233
For Nebraska Call Haven House (800)440-4633
For South Dakota Call Call to Freedom (605)759-3565
Or Reach Out To The National Human Trafficking Hotline
Call 1-888-373-7888 or Text 233733 (BEFREE)
or Chat at the humantraffickinghotline.org/chat
TO Report Human Trafficking:
If you are in immediate danger, call 911
Call 1-888-373-7888 or Text 233733 (BEFREE)
or Chat at the humantraffickinghotline.org/chat
or Call Iowa Victim Service Call Center (800) 770-1650
or Text ‘IOWAHELP’ to 20121
or Call Iowa DHHS Child Abuse Hotline for (Minors Being Trafficked) (800) 362-2178
or Call Nebraska Human Trafficking Tip Line (833) 757- 5665
Or Call Nebraska DHHS for (Minors Being Trafficked) (800)652-1999
Or Call South Dakota Department of Public Safety’s of Homeland Security (844) 373-7233
Or Call South Dakota CPS for (Minors Being Trafficked) (877) 244-0864
All services are free of charge and available 27/7