KNOXVILLE (WATE) – Almost every country in the world is affected by trafficking. Cate Trudell, Executive Director of Community Coalition Against Human Trafficking says Knoxville and the surrounding area is no different.
“I think we as Knoxvillians like to think it doesn’t happen in our community, but that mind set is exactly the reason why it thrives so well, because we are not able to view with the appropriate lens to see what’s happening behind closed doors and unfortunately it’s very prevalent in our community,” said Trudell.
Trudell worked with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation during a 3 day operation to combat human sex trafficking. “It’s absolutely a testament to the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation and the Knoxville Police Department, there professionalism and their ability to plan and operate the sting in a very comprehensive way,” said Trudell. “They did an amazing job.”
The Knoxville mother says there is no perfect profile for those arrested during the operation. Trudell said those arrested during the investigation are a diverse group of men from all walks of life.
But, Trudell says you can help by being aware of the telltale signs that someone is being trafficked, you may be able to keep them from a life of modern slavery. She shares some red flags:
- Obvious signs of domestic violence or physical abuse
- Drug use or alcohol use
- People who are transient or living out of their car
- Those frequenting truck stop and rest areas
- Showing signs of always having someone watching their every move
- Not being able to move freely
- Won’t look you in the eye or answer questions
What you should do?
It’s important to remember that even if you spot a number of these signs, it doesn’t necessarily mean someone is being trafficked.
“While one of those things might not mean anything, but multiple of some of those type of characteristics, but might lead you to believe there is something more is going on,” said Trudell. She said many of the people who are victimized in this way use drugs and alcohol as a coping mechanism.
If you do suspect someone is being trafficked, do not confront suspected traffickers or attempt to rescue suspected victims — instead, call local law enforcement and the National Human Trafficking Resource Hotline at (888) 373-7888.
