CVSA Launches New Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative in Canada and the U.S.

The Commercial Vehicle Safety Alliance (CVSA) is launching a new annual three-day Human Trafficking Awareness Initiative (HTAI) early this year in Canada and the U.S., corresponding with each country’s Human Trafficking Awareness Day. In the U.S., the initiative will start on U.S. Human Trafficking Awareness Day, which is from Jan. 11 to Jan. 13.

“Human traffickers often use roadways as the mode of transportation for transporting their victims,” said CVSA President Capt. John Broers with the South Dakota Highway Patrol. “Since our roadways are the ‘workplace’ for truck drivers, motorcoach drivers, and commercial motor vehicle inspectors, they are in a prime position to make a difference in helping to identify potential victims of human trafficking.”

This initiative is an awareness and outreach effort to educate commercial motor vehicle drivers, motor carriers, law enforcement officers, and the general public about the crime of human trafficking, the signs to look for, and what to do if you suspect someone is being trafficked.

Human trafficking is modern-day slavery. Traffickers use force, fraud, and coercion to control their victims. A minor being sold for sex is a victim of human trafficking, as is any adult under pimp control. While the initial purchase of victims may occur online, the real-time sale of victims can happen in many locations, including truck stops, restaurants, rest areas, hotels/motels, strip clubs, private homes, etc. Truckers are the eyes and the ears of our nation’s highways. 

Trafficking Red Flags to Look For:

• Lack of knowledge of their whereabouts; not in control of ID/passport
• Restricted or controlled communication; not allowed to speak for self being watched or followed
• Any mention of making a quota or having a pimp/daddy
• A van, RV, or vehicle with multiple women in a mainly male area and/or dropping women off and picking them up 15-20 minutes later
• Signs of bruising

Know the Hand Gesture

Did you know there’s a discreet hand gesture someone can give to a friend, family member, member of law enforcement, colleague, or stranger to let them know they need help – whether the person is in a domestic violence situation, a victim of human trafficking or in another dangerous situation. But it only works if you know the hand gesture. Make sure you know it and show it to everyone you know. There are videos on YouTube that will show you the sign as well.