JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – An anti-trafficking sign in EverBank Stadium changed the life of a young mother and her child a few months ago. That sign was made possible because of a coordinated effort to combat human trafficking through the Northeast Florida Intercept Task Force.
Jacksonville Mayor Donna Deegan shared the mother’s story during a news conference on Monday, recognizing January as National Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
Deegan said the mother was fleeing a domestic sex trafficking situation but was running out of resources for her and her child.
When the number on the sign at EverBank Stadium was contacted, the mother and her child were met with a coordinated response from the task force that not only secured them safe housing in another state and arranged travel for them both, but also provided basic needs.
“They found safety, as well as dignity,” Deegan said. “A fresh closet of clothing, new toys for her child, a pantry stocked with food, and her very first brand-new pair of shoes.”
WATCH: Replay the news conference below
Deegan said the program targeting human trafficking in and around the downtown sports complex, which began in April last year, changed the life of that mother and child for the better.
“This happy ending was only possible because of strong collaboration between our local nonprofits and law enforcement, and the connection may never have been made if it weren’t for a sign that was seen at EverBank Stadium,” Deegan said. “This is just one example of what’s possible when we raise awareness and when we work together on solutions.”
Deegan pointed out that statistics show that the demand for human trafficking goes up during major sporting events and concerts, which is why the anti-trafficking task force was targeting that area.
The emphasis on sporting event venues is particularly timely, with the Jaguars hosting a playoff game this Sunday at EverBank Stadium.
Deegan said the efforts will expand with more signage in other venues, increased training for staff to recognize potential trafficking situations, and the possibility of adding a partner hospital to the team so victims can get immediate medical care.
“We’re making progress, but, of course, this work is far from over. We’re really just getting started here,” Deegan said. “We cannot, and we will not, tolerate trafficking in our community ever. ... So let us continue to build a community where trafficking has no home and where every person is protected.”
Doesn’t always look the same
Clay County Sheriff Michelle Cook, who has been a vocal advocate for combating human trafficking in Northeast Florida, pointed out that one of the key elements is helping the community learn to recognize trafficking when they see it, so they can help report it.
“Human trafficking does not always look the same. In some cases, it can involve forced labor, it can be exploitation, it’s control,” Cook said. “And in some cases, it starts out and appears to be a normal relationship or romantic connection, but becomes dangerous when manipulation, coercion and exploitation become a part of that relationship.”
Cook pointed out that traffickers often target the vulnerable, like those with mental health challenges or who are suffering from substance use disorder.
“These offenders are willing to exploit these vulnerabilities for their own gain. And our responsibility as law enforcement is to turn victims into thriving survivors and hold offenders accountable,” Cook said.
Cook said the task force has investigated over 1,600 cases since it was created three years ago. She said 17 of those involved someone being brought up no human trafficking charges, but the majority involved exploitation and child sexual abuse material.
“It’s important to know that exploitation cases often lead to trafficking and is why we put our focus on exploitation in our community,” Cook said. “Protecting our children and our most vulnerable is our most important job.”
Cracking down
Along with connecting survivors with resources, the other element of the signs at sporting venues in Jacksonville is a warning to traffickers that they will be prosecuted.
State Attorney Melissa Nelson highlighted one successful prosecution from last year, involving a 29-year-old man who was controlling several women and forcing them to perform sex acts for money.
The man posted ads on social media, and the women were forced to arrange “dates” when calls came in, perform sex acts against their will, and then turn the money over to him, Nelson said.
They were not free to leave, Nelson said.
A Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office operation identified the abuse, and the State Attorney’s Office worked with investigators to secure the evidence to prosecute the abuser.
Nelson said one of the victims told a JSO detective: “You have to help me get out of this.”
Nelson said investigators learned the man was using physical violence and a stun gun to make the victims cooperate.
“(He) controlled them through drugs, a common tactic traffickers use to maintain power and fear,” Nelson said.
The man eventually pleaded guilty to two counts of human trafficking and was sentenced to 15 years in prison, Nelson said.
“These women were terrified for their lives,” Nelson said.
She said the work doesn’t stop with a conviction.
“Supporting survivors and preventing future exploitation requires continued vigilance, coordination and trust,” Nelson said.
Closing the trafficking highway
St. Johns County Sheriff Rob Hardwick said one of the focuses for his agency has been shutting down trafficking along I-95.
“We believe that’s the root of some of this evil, meaning this human trafficking going on,” Hardwick said.
He said 22 arrests were made last year and some of those tie directly into sexual exploitation, sex trafficking, trafficking in children and human trafficking.
“It’s a crime that hides behind these curtains. It’s not easy to solve,” Hardwick said. “You gotta have the right people in the right place.”
Hardwick praised the efforts of all those behind the scenes who work to combat trafficking in our area every day, and he urged anyone in need to reach out to the resources available.
“This crime thrives in silence,” he said.
What parents should know
Law enforcement leaders emphasized that, along with in-person human trafficking, technology is making children more susceptible to online trafficking.
From video games to cellphones to social media apps, harmless games could be exposing children to predators.
“Sadly, offenders do not limit themselves by age. Younger children can be especially vulnerable to manipulation and that risk often begins online,” Cook warned. “This whole team urges parents, please be engaged with what your children are doing online and what social media and gaming platforms they are using. Our offenders are really, really sneaky, and they’ll start talking to these kids via these platforms.”
They urge parents to make an extra effort to be aware of and understand all the gaming platforms and apps their children use.
“There’s so much information available on the internet, and there are so many groups out there that are willing to help and help you look at what applications your child is using and say these are safer than others. I mean, that’s all out there and available to parents,” Cook said. “You’ve got to pay attention to what your kids are doing because, I’m telling you, as soon as you turn your back, there’s somebody that’s trying to talk to them.”
Everyone is invited to a community event from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 24, at the FSCJ Downtown Campus to learn more about the task force.
Resources
- National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888.
- Victim advocates: Text HELP or BEFREE to 233733 or email help@humantraffickinghotline.org
- Florida Abuse Hotline: 1-800-96-ABUSE.
- DOJ Hotline: 1-888-428-7581
- Sextortion support: 866-305-4673
- Crisis support: Text “THORN” to 741741
- JSO non-emergency number: 904-630-0500.
- Mental health crisis: Call 988
- UF Behavioral Health Resource Center: 904-819-5204
- Delores Barr Weaver Policy Center: 904-598-0901