Group to combat human trafficking West River

Since 2007, there have been 38 human trafficking cases in South Dakota, almost half of them in the last year.

While the National Human Trafficking Resource Center doesn’t have enough data to determine what South Dakota venues draws more trafficking, the state has focused on the Sturgis Rally simply because of the sheer numbers of people attending.

Now through the 2016 Sturgis Motorcycle Rally, members of South Dakota’s West River Human Trafficking Task Force’s Outreach Team Committee and volunteers will be distributing posters, fliers and other awareness materials to hospitality businesses throughout the region.

They plan to visit more than 400 businesses from Hot Springs to Spearfish and as far east as Wall in an effort to combat human trafficking around the rally through a broad community and public awareness campaign.

For more information, visit the

SD West River Human Trafficking Task Force website

.

Staying Safe and Reducing the Risks

Don’t share personal information on the internet!

Never-EVER send someone a nude photo of yourself!

Do not accept friend requests from people you do not know in person.

Do not engage in online chats with people you do not know in person.

Tell a parent or trusted adult if you are uncomfortable with someone, or if you feel like you are in danger.

Understand the risks and dangers and stay away from anything that doesn’t look right.

Realize how valuable you are, and don’t let anyone treat you with disrespect!

What Parents Can Do

Talk with your kids about only talking to people they personally know online.

Tell your kids to never send inappropriate photos to anyone.

Make sure you know your child’s passwords, usernames, nicknames, and email addresses.

What To Look For

Girls can be forced to get a tattoo of their pimp’s name or insignia to mark them out as his ‘property’.

Links

Raising awareness for human trafficking
Stop human trafficking