Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is the fastest growing and second largest criminal industry in the world, generating roughtly $32 billion each year. According to the Trafficking in Persons Report produced by the State Department, approximately 27 million men, women and children are victims of some form of human trafficking. Human trafficking occurs when people are recruited to work or provide services through the use of force, fraud, or coercion, and it includes labor and sex trafficking, The average age at which children in the United States first become victims of sex trafficking is12-14, and between 100,000 and 300,000 U.S. children are victims of this crime each year.
Indiana Attorney General Greg Zoeller serves as co-chair of the Indiana Protection for Abused and Trafficked Humans (IPATH) task force. Zoeller also co-chairs the Human Trafficking Standing Committee for the National Association of Attorneys General (NAAG), and he served on the Leadership Council for the 2011-12 Pillars of Hope Initiative for NAAG. Zoeller developed a model anti demand initiative for all states to use, dubbed "Don't Buy the Lie" that purchasing sex is a victimless crime. As part of the "Don't Buy the Lie" campaign, Zoeller created a public pledge to promote zero tolerance for the sex industry and supported legislative changes that make it easier to prosecute and hold traffickers accountable.
Don't Buy the Lie
This campaign includes the following tools individuals and groups can use to educate themselves on the myths and facts about commercial sex.
Modern Day Slavery: a four-minute video on sex trafficking, courtesy of Not for Sale.
Don't Buy the Lie: download this PowerPoint presentation to view and discuss
Take the pledge: print and sign to pledge your commitment to not participate in commercial sex.
Not a John: print and carry this wallet-sized card to demonstrate your commitment to not participate in commercial sex.
Super Bowl 2012 Outreach
IPATH collaborated with nearly 60 groups and more than 270 Indiana volunteers to raise awareness about sex trafficking prior to Super Bowl 2012. For information on these efforts and their results please see:Game Plan to Fight Human Trafficking
General Resources
Human Trafficking:An Introduction
IPATH - Human Trafficking Fact Sheet
Pillars of Hope Handout
Toolkit for Local Initiatives
Human Trafficking Red Flags - General Public
Additional Resources
Educational, Outreach and Awareness Materials
Professional Resources and Trainings
If you have questions or would like more information, please contact Nicole Baldonado at nicole.baldonado@atg.in.gov
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