Human trafficking involves a trafficker's use of threat, fraud or coercion to force an individual into committing commercial sex acts or to work against their will.
Human trafficking is often described as modern-day slavery and is as serious and common a problem in the United States as it is abroad. Traffickers use coercive tactics and false promises to lure vulnerable individuals into the sex trade or force them to work against their will. Once engaged, traffickers can keep their victims under their control by withholding identification or immigration documents, illegally administering addictive drugs, making threats, or inflicting violence. At CVTC, we are committed to connecting survivors of trafficking to service providers who will help fulfill concrete needs like housing and safety. Once immediate needs are met, CVTC can provide a healing space for survivors to process what has happened and regain a sense of control.
Your will matters.
What if this is happening to me?
Survivors of human trafficking are protected under New York State Law. Reporting to the police does not mean you will be arrested, and in fact may make you eligible for state and city services, or immigration relief.
If you are hurt and are able to escape, go to the hospital. At Mount Sinai West, Mount Sinai Morningside, Lenox Health Greenwich Village, Brookdale Hospital and Long Island Jewish Forest Hills, you will be met with a trained SAFE examiner and a volunteer advocate who will provide expert care and help you learn about your immediate options.
If you are able, call 911. If you are in danger and able to do so, call 911. Tell them your location if you know it, or leave the phone on and hide it so that the call might be traced.
Call Safe Horizon's 24-hour hotline at 800 621-HOPE (4673). The confidential hotline will be able to connect you to emergency services like a shelter.
Call the National Trafficking Hotline at 888 373-7888 if you're outside of New York or need additional resources.
How can CVTC help?
At CVTC, you face no judgment. We can connect you with concrete services to meet your immediate needs, including shelter. When you feel ready, CVTC can provide you with the safe space you need to begin the healing process. We can work with you individually to process what has happened, and offer support groups where you can connect with others who have been there, too.
If you're undocumented, that's okay. In addition to all of the trauma-focused services we provide, CVTC staff can help discuss possible paths to immigration relief.
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