10 steps people can take to help combat human trafficking

I saw this write up by Siddharth Kara on CNN, its about the 10 steps people can take to combat human trafficking. However, i am not saying all the steps are perfect, it depends on your location, so user discretion is strongly advised.

1. Learn about the many signs that indicate a person may be a victim of human trafficking or some other form of forced labor.

2. Assemble a core group of individuals who will set up and manage your Community Vigilance Committee (CVC).

3. Recruit other community members to join your CVC, such as neighbors and local business owners. Make a plan that suits everyone on how and when you can meet to discuss your efforts.

4. Make contact with local law enforcement, especially a local human trafficking police unit if you have one, to set up a system of reporting to a point person should any member of your CVC witness a sign of human trafficking. Follow the guidance of local law enforcement on the best ways you can assist them.

5. Make contact with local non-governmental organizations (NGOs) that focus on human trafficking (especially shelters), to discuss your plans and set up a system of referral should you need to pass along information about a potential human trafficking victim in your area. Follow the guidance of these NGOs on how you can be most effective in assisting them.

6. If there are no relevant NGOs or shelters in your area, think about setting one up!

7. Create a website in which you share your progress and learnings, so that you can coordinate with other CVCs to expand your reach, and also learn from each other about how to be more effective.

8. Set up a “Google Alert” for human trafficking. This will help you stay on top of trends and developments in the field.

9. Make contact with your local and state lawmakers to learn more about what they are doing to combat human trafficking in your area. If you feel they are not doing enough, try to persuade them to do more.

10. Should any member of your CVC see something worrying from the list of signs of human trafficking - do not intervene in any way individually or as a group. Meet and discuss what you have seen and report to local law enforcement as soon as possible.