Florida ranks in the top three states in the U.S. with the most reported incidences of human trafficking. Miami, in particular, is a key location where traffickers force their victims into various industries including the sex trade, domestic work, and enslavement in the agricultural fields. Survivors need wrap-around legal, psycho-social, housing services as well as additional support based on individual circumstances. The IRC in Miami has over 15 years of experience serving survivors of human trafficking from 42 countries - including the United States. Through funding from the Department of Justice, the IRC in Miami serves approximately 50 victims of all forms of human trafficking each year through trauma-informed and survivor-centered services. These include intensive case management and advocacy, emergency and long-term housing, transportation, medical, and legal services as well as life skills and job training. 

Human trafficking continues to be prevalent across Florida during the COVID-19 pandemic as online platforms become powerful tools for luring children and other vulnerable populations.

Today, youth are at higher risk of becoming victims of human trafficking as they spend long hours online, virtually attending school, completing homework and staying connected with friends. Perpetrators are adjusting their techniques and utilizing social media networks to scout for potential victims. Access to resources and information for those victims of human trafficking that are forced to reside with their traffickers due to stay-at-home orders and are exposed to on-going additional abuse is limited. The IRC in Florida continues to work with survivors of human trafficking during COVID-19, providing direct cash assistance, access to food and basic care items.  

So far this year, the IRC in Miami has served more than 20 survivors of human trafficking with nearly half being referred during the COVID-19 pandemic. While working remotely, the IRC in Florida’s Anti-Trafficking program team has completed virtual intakes, provided donated grocery bags and personal care items, and made referrals to meet survivor needs, when appropriate. Due to the on-going high needs of survivors of human trafficking, the IRC in Florida continues to work with community partners to ensure access to all community resources.  

In partnership with the South Florida Human Trafficking Task Force, we are monitoring the different ways perpetrators are changing their strategies and will be providing resources for parents and the community to keep families safe.   

To learn more about online child exploitation and ways you can keep your family safe please visit our YouTube channel and follow the South Florida Human Trafficking Task Force’s podcast series. 

To view the video please visit our YouTube channel. 

For additional resources please visit the South Florida Human Trafficking Task Force's podcast series.

 

To report suspected human trafficking or to obtain resources for victims, please call 1-888-373-7888; text “BeFree” (233733), or live chat at HumanTraffickingHotline.org. The toll-free phone, SMS text lines, and online chat function are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. Help is available in English, Spanish, Creole, or in more than 200 additional languages. The National Hotline is not managed by law enforcement, immigration, or an investigative agency. Correspondence with the National Hotline is confidential and you may request assistance or report a tip anonymously.