Do you want to report suspicious activity? Are you at risk of human trafficking? Call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline.

Curriculum for Teachers & Parents

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Warning Signs That Someone Is Being Trafficked

Human trafficking is a problem in every state, and in every community.

If you believe that someone is being trafficked or exploited, call the The National Human Trafficking Resource Center to report your suspicions and seek help. All calls are treated anonymously:

1-888-3737-888

Here are some of the warning signs to look out for.

Common Work/Living Conditions

Lack of Control

Abnormal Behavior in Public

Poor Physical Health

Emancipation Proclamation 2012

150 years after Lincoln "freed the slaves", there are more slaves than ever before. So we are writing a new Emancipation Proclamation.

We need your voice to do it.

Define Your Freedom

We want photos, one-liners, essays and videos. Tell us - what does freedom mean to you? All voices welcome.

We reserve the right to block material that doesn't contribute to the discussion.

Submit Your Voice
SEPTEMBER 22nd, 2012: LET FREEDOM REIGN

SEPTEMBER 22nd, 2012: LET FREEDOM REIGN 

150 years after Lincoln “freed the slaves”, we are issuing a new Emancipation Proclamation. This is a working document which will be updated over time. We welcome your contributions.

Whereas, on the twenty-second day of September, in the year of two thousand and twelve, a proclamation was issued by a nation of united people for the end of modern day slavery, containing, among other things, the following, to wit:


That on this day, in honor of the proclamation that came one hundred and fifty years before, all persons being forced and held today in modern day slavery, thenceforward be FOREVER FREE. We offer the following reflections regarding freedom.


My movements, destination, thoughts and choices are all my own. I am not caged or left voiceless… that is my freedom. –Jessica Kristie


Freedom to listen, speak, observe, and participate in any function of life without restraints that hinder the ability to do any of the before mentioned.
-Twilla Robison Booker


Freedom is to have the possibility for my words and actions to reflect my inner-self, to be the master of my choices, and to be who I am, unconditionally. - Jeap Yang
The choice of Freedom of expression for all parties, to voice and have their own opinions, make their own choices in life, to not be chained down by other’s.
- Lenny Conner


Having the capability to create and define your own future, a reality that’s simply a dream for many. - Jessica Henry


Freedom is not an easy concept. Most of us truly aren’t free so it’s hard to express and define. To me, freedom is, quite simply, having ubiquitous choice. Choose a career. Choose a lifestyle. Choose a government. Choose a way of thinking. Choice. Protecting the power of choice is paramount to protecting freedom.
- Chantal Sheehan


Freedom is a goal, maybe THE most important one. To be free means to be present without mental, spiritual or ridiculous national pride restraints. Freedom is also a choice. Most of us choose to take the bait. - Eusebio Hernandez

I believe in the fundamentals of freedom of Kant. Maybe because I think they represent or should represent the modern world. Although for Kant Freedom is not a choice but a moral duty. Nobody chooses to be a prostitute or to be poor. Circumstances are all we are.
- Maria Elias

Freedom is something many of us take for granted who live in a generally free society. At it’s most basic, real freedom for me is freedom of movement, speech, assembly, and thought as long as no harm is done to others. - Jeff Nield

Freedom, plain and simply is choice, your choice to be what every you chose to be, to love, to marry who ever you chose, its a simple concept that we as human being have been fighting for since the beginning of time. - Jack Fernandez

Freedom is a basic human right, which means that it’s something humans are entitled to JUST FOR BEING HUMANS. Freedom is having space and time to think, to move, to act, to breathe. Freedom means having a wealth of opportunities before you from which to choose. Freedom is feeling a sense of control over your own life, which includes having control over your own body, mind, heart, and spirit.
- Krystal Wu

Freedom means a right to live, sleep, communicate, prosper, and to live as you would want without persecution or ridicule from others, in any way we so choose. To have a right to explore our nation and its people to the fullest, to give the U.S. map a meaning to shine the red, white, and blue colors other than independence.
- Clarissa Jackson

Freedom is life without imposed restrictions. - Morven Lennox

We are all connected in this consciousness. What I think will affect the Universe and my next door neighbor. Look further beyond what governments dictate. You are born here in this 3D/time space to experience change which is all evolution based. Collectively mean sky is the limit
- Kathleen Woods

I feel that freedom is the choice to have a voice and give a voice to those who don’t. I am a woman who fought for women’s rights way back when, and I will continue to.
- Suzanne Caley

Freedom is being able to say yes or no, and to be believed and respected for that.
- Martin McKevatt

Freedom is having a choice. The ability to say yes, no, when, where, or why without restraint. All good & precious peoples should live with the essential liberty of free will.
- Megan Ferguson

The moment we are born we are inherently entitled to the rights of personal power. We are born as beings who belong to none other than the Creator and ourselves…first. To cut, steal, hinder, suppress, manipulate, or deny an individual of their personal power, even in the name of LOVE, is criminal. The cultivation and access to ones personal power is essential to the development of personal happiness as well as to the building of a cooperative, compassionate community. Let us not forget that with our freedom comes great responsibility for not only ourselves but for our fellow man as well. With the guidance of our greatest selves, our intellect and the Creator, we can honor those responsibilities, completely. Freedom shall reign.
- Jada Pinkett Smith

A MESSAGE FROM A FOLLOWER

I love your blog. This is a subject dear to my heart because even though I was not abducted by strangers, I was sexually and physically abused by my family, so I understand how horrible these crimes are. I was wondering if there’s anything I can do in my local area to help end this insanity. St. Louis, Mo. If there is, I would appreciate you letting me know. PS, if you post this could you make me anon? I don’t tell everyone what I just let you know. Thanks. 
——

DontSellBodies: Thanks for your message/submission Anon. It means a lot to us.

The best place to start would be via the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888 3737 888 - they can put you in touch with groups working in your region. (There will no doubt be many - this is a problem everywhere.)

You can also raise your voice on some of the national campaigns going on - for example, read up on the CASE Act in California and - if you support it - sign up to One Million Strong Against Human Trafficking.

Oh, and we love your blog too, btw. 


THE AVERAGE VICTIM IS 12 YEARS OLD

At 17, Danielle was forced into prostitution - but she says the average age of girls being forced into sex slavery is just 12.

"It's like being raped over and over and over and over," says Danielle.

Rain is more typical of the average American victim, having entered prostitution at the age of 11.

When asked about the men whom she slept with, she is unequivocal about what they were: child abusers.

"I'm not going to label them Johns," she says.

Take action to support THE CASE ACT.


VICTIMS NOT CRIMINALS

Carissa was 12 years old when she was coerced into prostitution.

"I remember him vividly putting his arm around me and acting like he was my buddy. Within days, he was raping me violently."

With children as young as 11 or 12 being exploited for sex, there is a pressing need to differentiate between pimps and prostitutes. Nearly all prostitutes in the US are victims of child sex trafficking, and activists around the country are pushing for law enforcement to recognize them as victims - while focusing their efforts on the real criminals, the pimps and johns who make this industry possible.

The CASE Act will raise the penalties for human trafficking, forcing sex traffickers to register as sex offenders, and mandating training on human trafficking for law enforcement.

It will also funnel more funds for victim support.

Take action to support THE CASE ACT.


DISABLED CHILDREN TARGETED

When Vicki's 17-year-old daughter went missing, she feared she was dead. When she was found, Vicki discovered that she had been bought and sold for sex.

Vicki's daughter is developmentally disabled, with a mental age of just 11. Targeting of such vulnerable children is a growing trend within the trafficking industry.

Vicki is now helping to push the CASE Act (Californians Against Sexual Exploitation) - a ballot initiative that will raise penalties for trafficking and increase support for survivors.

Take action to support THE CASE ACT.

Don't Sell Bodies was conceived by Jada Pinkett Smith and Overbrook Entertainment. It was designed by The Change Creation and Goroboto.

It is dedicated to the victims and survivors of trafficking, and the heroes who are fighting to eradicate it.

Creative Team:
Jada Pinkett Smith
Chris "CJay" Jordan
Paress Salinas
Sami Grover
Jerry Stifelman
Chelsea Bay Dennis
Rebekah Miel
Tennessee Watson
Rob Biddiscombe