How to Meet Human Trafficking Training Requirements

Written by Liz McDermott

Human trafficking is a global crisis that affects millions of lives every year. As awareness grows, so does the need for comprehensive human trafficking training to combat this pervasive issue.

This article will explore how to effectively fulfill human trafficking awareness training obligations. We'll cover key aspects such as grasping trafficking definitions and laws, recognizing common indicators, and setting up impactful training programs.

Human Trafficking Awareness Training

Understand Human Trafficking Definitions and Laws

To effectively combat human trafficking, employers need to grasp its legal definitions and key concepts. Human trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of a person for labor, services, or commercial sex. The United States recognizes two primary forms: forced labor and sex trafficking.

Sex trafficking occurs when someone uses force, fraud, or coercion to compel another person to engage in commercial sex acts. For minors, proof of force, fraud, or coercion isn't necessary. Forced labor, also known as labor trafficking, involves exploiting a person's labor or services through force, fraud, or coercion.

Understanding these definitions is crucial for identifying potential trafficking situations and meeting training requirements. Remember, trafficking doesn't require movement across borders – it's a crime of exploitation, not transportation. By familiarizing yourself with these concepts, you'll be better equipped to recognize and report potential trafficking cases in your workplace.

Identify Common Trafficking Indicators

To effectively combat human trafficking, you need to recognize its warning signs. Physical indicators include visible injuries, malnutrition, and poor health. Behavioral signs involve avoiding eye contact, inconsistent stories, and isolation from others. Industry-specific red flags include excessive security measures, unsafe working conditions, and lack of proper licensing.

Certain vulnerabilities increase trafficking risk. Economic instability, lack of social support, and migration status can make individuals more susceptible. Children, teenagers, and marginalized groups are particularly at risk. The National Incidence Studies of Missing, Abducted, Runaway, and Thrownaway Children found that traffickers approach 1 in 3 runway or homeless children within 48 hours.

By understanding these indicators and vulnerabilities, organizations can play a crucial role in identifying potential trafficking situations and taking appropriate action to help victims.

Meet Human Trafficking Awareness Training Objectives

An effective human trafficking awareness training program needs to help employees learn how to assist in deterring illegal human trafficking. Workers who are exposed to instances of human trafficking based on their workplace industry need the necessary skills and knowledge to know how to take action. They may also face receiving information about suspected human trafficking from a customer or colleague.

Since employees may come across human trafficking victims and perpetrators, your training program must help them understand the signs of human trafficking, how to correctly respond, and how to report suspected trafficking activities. Your program should cover both sex and labor trafficking, ensuring comprehensive training. These training objectives are essential in combating human trafficking in communities.

Meet Specific Industry Requirements

Different industries have unique human trafficking training requirements. The hospitality industry is particularly vulnerable to trafficking, as it offers privacy and anonymity that traffickers exploit. The Department of Transportation has awarded millions in grants to support counter-trafficking efforts in the transportation sector. Remember, your organization’s vigilance can make a crucial difference in combating this issue.

California Training Requirements

In California, Senate Bill 970 requires training for employers with an on-sale general public premises Alcoholic Beverage Control Act license, including hotels, motels, bed and breakfast inns, emergency rooms, urgent care centers, farm labor contractors, airports, bus stations, and truck stops.

These covered businesses must provide training about human trafficking to their staff. This training should last at least 20 minutes and must be given every two years. New employees must receive this training within six months of being hired. If a staff member's job changes and they may now interact with the public, they must also receive this training. It's crucial to check if your business needs to follow these rules in California, as failing can result in fines ranging from $500 to $10,000.

Florida Training Requirements

In Florida, public lodging establishments must provide annual employee training to housekeeping, front desk, and reception staff. Employees must complete approved training within 60 days of hire and annually after that. Lodging operators are advised to train other guest-facing staff. To meet compliance, keep signed acknowledgments of training completion for each employee. Fines for non-compliance can reach $2,000 per day.

Human Trafficking Education

Education is a key component in recognizing human trafficking and preventing trafficking. Choosing a solution that meets your budget can equip your team to better support trafficking survivors and contribute to prevention efforts.

Human Trafficking Prevention Training for Businesses

To help employers meet federal and state laws, Vubiz offers on-demand human trafficking courses for corporate training needs requiring tracking and reporting. These evidence-based training courses are easy to customize with your company’s policies and case studies. Businesses can purchase courses instantly and assign them to workers to take at their leisure:

Free Human Trafficking Training

The OVC Training and Technical Assistance Center (OVC TTAC) offers free education and tools to strengthen victim support. You can access interactive online modules that provide foundational learning on trauma-informed approaches.

The National Human Trafficking Training and Technical Assistance Center (NHTTAC) provides free training and technical assistance (T/TA) to strengthen the public health response to human trafficking. NHTTAC also offers SOAR framework for Health and Wellness, which provides standardized, accredited training for individuals, organizations, and communities.

Conclusion

Meeting human trafficking awareness training requirements is a crucial step in combating this global crisis. By understanding the legal definitions, recognizing warning signs, and implementing effective training programs, your business can play a vital role in identifying potential victims and preventing exploitation. The knowledge gained from human trafficking training equips your workforce to spot red flags in various industries, from hospitality to transportation, and take appropriate action.

Employee training is key to creating a safer environment for all. It not only helps in meeting legal requirements but also builds a culture of vigilance and responsibility. Consider Vubiz's interactive courses for your workforce training needs:

Remember, awareness and action can make a real difference in someone's life. By meeting these training requirements and staying alert, your business can contribute to the broader efforts to end human trafficking and create a safer world for everyone.