Slavery in Phoenix
Monday, June 8th, 2009My topic for my senior thesis project was Modern Day Slavery (Human Trafficking). I had the privilege of working with some amazing people on the ALERT team at the International Rescue Committee. Katie Resendiz, Mark Bratman, and Stephen Allen have given me a wealth of knowledge about what is happening on the local level in Phoenix.
My campaign was titled Slavery in Phoenix, and is aimed to raise local awareness that trafficking occurs everywhere, not just in third world countries. The United States is a destination country, meaning many victims are trafficked through our borders. The Mexico/Arizona border is a big entry port, so we have many victims living in our own city who are forced into labor trafficking and taken advantage of through sex trafficking. During my research I conducted a survey, interviews, read many books, watched documentaries and visited anti-trafficking websites to learn all about what is taking place in the US and around the world. Slavery is a GLOBAL issue, but change starts LOCALLY!
I am so excited that the ALERT is actually going to run this campaign throughout Arizona. I am glad that my senior project will be able to benefit this important cause. I received this email from Mark a few days ago.
Hi Britt – I just had the privilege of reading your thesis project and I am just blown away. It is an honor that you have applied your amazing gifts and talents to this cause that is so close to our hearts. You have helped us to maintain our focus and resolve to do our part to end this scourge in the “land of the free.” By the way, we have just helped to rescue 6 victims of trafficking right here in Phoenix – we know there are many more and thank you so much for helping us do this important work.
Best wishes,
Mark Bratman ALERT Program ManagerCHAINS BE BROKEN AND LIVES BE HEALED! It is so great to know that progress is being made in our city, and people are being rescued from bondage! My campaign consisted of a website redesign (which is launching soon when it is approved by headquarters), video, posters, postcards, thesis book, and exhibit.
Website
Poster
Postcard
Book
To see a preview of my book or purchase one for yourself click here
Exhibit
Below is an interview with Mark Bratman the ALERT Program Manager at the IRC - Phoenix with some information on Human Trafficking.
How can raising local awareness and taking local action affect the global problem of trafficking?
Because much of the awareness of anti-trafficking activity is so new, any increase in public awareness and any action taken will have an especially significant impact. People all over the U.S. are searching for ways to bring victims forward and all of us are watching to see how we can bring a clearer focus to the issue and to find ways to help those that are victimized.
Are there any estimates of how many people are trafficked in Arizona?
I’ve been unable to find any real estimates of the number of victims in Arizona. What we do know is that vast numbers of people are smuggled across the Arizona-Mexico border and that it is likely that many become victims of human trafficking. I heard a statistic on the TV news about one week ago: The Tucson sector of the border (Border Patrol divides the border into sectors) which is about 250 mile long comprises about 14% of the U.S. border with Mexico but makes 30% of the border arrests. This means that we’re getting the largest number of people crossing the border and by estimation, the largest number of victims of trafficking.
Out of the victims you have helped what kinds of trafficking have they been involved in?
We have seen a majority of labor trafficking cases (about 90%). Other programs in the U.S. have also seen a majority of labor cases but not as high a percentage.
Give a few facts about Human Trafficking that people might not be aware of.
Just the fact that slavery exists in the U.S. really shocks most people. We find that people commonly believe that slavery ended with the Civil War.
Another surprise is that because every country in the world outlaws slavery, it must go underground. One of the implications of this is that potential slaves are readily available (there are vulnerable people all over the world) and are “disposable”.
A final thought here is that human trafficking is not all sexual slavery of women and girls. If there is a public perception of trafficking, it is nearly always sex trafficking – the media plays this up because it is more sensational. The fact is that any form of work can involve human trafficking.
What is the IRC-Phoenix and ALERT doing to help victims of human trafficking?
There are four main parts of the ALERT Program which has operated since 2003 as a program of the IRC.
Victim Services: Our funding allows us to provide services for victims of a “severe form of trafficking” as defined by the Trafficking Victims Protection Act. We provide housing, medical care, mental health services, legal assistance and case management for victims with a goal of helping them become legal residents and achieving self-sufficiency.
Public Awareness: We do outreach to potential victims of trafficking, including a street outreach program. ALERT also provides information to organizations, neighborhood groups, churches, schools, colleges, law enforcement agencies and others to make them more aware of the issue and of the services we provide.
Coalition: ALERT sponsors a statewide Coalition that enables individuals, organizations, law enforcement agencies and others to get involved in anti-trafficking throughout the State of Arizona.
ALERT Hotline: The program operates a 24/7 Hotline that responds to calls from victims, from the public and to provide information about human trafficking
What is the best way that people in the community can help?
It is important that people increase their awareness that slavery exists in their state. The issue affects not only foreign-born individuals but even U.S. citizens. Our perception is that if people in our towns and cities can be enslaved, then none of us are free. We also believe that once people understand what is happening, they will act. It is much like the public perception of domestic violence 20 years ago. That perception has changed dramatically so that people will no longer tolerate it. This must happen with human trafficking. When there is a greater outcry, then politicians, law enforcement and the public will take action. We hope that comes soon.
What volunteer opportunities are available through ALERT and the International Rescue Committee?
There are many ways for people to get involved with the anti-trafficking movement and I’ll list some of them:
Join the ALERT Coalition: People can call us for more information but we are looking for people to learn about and get involved through the Coalition.
Donate Money: ALERT accepts donations to continue our effort to identify and help victims. Government funding is in jeopardy and we feel strongly that we must maintain our efforts.
Student Volunteers: Student internships are available at ALERT. Student groups can volunteer for short-term or long-term projects that include presentations on campus, disseminating information about trafficking, forming anti-trafficking clubs or campus groups, etc.
Other Volunteer Possibilities: Church groups, schools, other organizations could be a great help to get out information to the public. ALERT (through Katie Resendiz) does monthly volunteer orientation sessions which provide information about trafficking and a menu of options from which to choose.
