Rep. Crawford Recognizes Human Trafficking Awareness Month, Urges Public to be Alert 

1/20/2023

JONESBORO – January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Federal law enforcement has received more than 900 tips about possible human trafficking in Arkansas since 2007. From those tips, 557 cases of human trafficking were uncovered involving nearly 1,500 victims. 

According to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, people who suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking should consider the following questions: 

1. Does the person appear disconnected from family, friends, community organizations, or houses of worship? 
2. Has a child stopped attending school? 
3. Has the person had a sudden or dramatic change in behavior? 
4. Is a juvenile engaged in commercial sex acts? 
5. Is the person disoriented or confused, or showing signs of mental or physical abuse? 
6. Does the person have bruises in various stages of healing? 
7. Is the person fearful, timid, or submissive? 
8. Does the person show signs of having been denied food, water, sleep, or medical care? 
9. Is the person often in the company of someone to whom he or she defers? Or someone who seems to be in control of the situation, e.g., where they go or who they talk to? 
10. Does the person appear to be coached on what to say? 
11. Is the person living in unsuitable conditions? 
12. Does the person lack personal possessions and appear not to have a stable living situation? 
13. Does the person have freedom of movement? Can the person freely leave where they live? Are there unreasonable security measures? 

The Human Trafficking Hotline is common at truck stops through commercial sex and through fake massage businesses. With major interstates running through the First Congressional District of Arkansas, it’s important for AR-01 residents to be alert to potential victims. 

“Human trafficking continues to cause devastation in our backyards and forces the young and vulnerable into modern day slavery,” Congressman Rick Crawford (AR-01) said. “We must be vigilant to the signs that someone is a victim and do everything we can to get them help and a way out. If you suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking, I urge you to call Federal law enforcement at (866) 347-2423. Don’t be silent. Your call could save a life.” 

Crawford, a member of the House Transportation and Infrastructure Committee, voted for the following bills signed into law in the 117^th Congress: 

1. S.3470 – End Human Trafficking in Government Contracts Act of 2022.
2. H.R.7132 – Safe Connections Act of 2022; and
3. S.3103 – Eliminating Limits to Justice for Child Sex Abuse Victims Act of 2022.

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