Protect Yourself

     A huge way that you can help prevent human trafficking is by protecting yourself.  There have been many incidents in which a girl (usually teen) meets a guy who she thinks is into him.  The girl gets in a fight with her parents and the guy offers to take care of her, she goes with him and ends up being trafficked into sex slavery/prostitution.  This can happen to both genders.    

     Kids- You know how your parents always said don't talk to strangers?  Listen to them!

     If someone is ever trying to get you to go with them you need to make sure they are a reliable person, NOT someone you barely know a thing a lot. 

     Something you can do to secure your safety when you are on a date with someone you don't know too well (maybe you met them online) is to tell a friend or a parent where you are going, who you will be with, and what time you expect to be back at, maybe even give them your date's number.  The reason so many people are trafficked is because they don't tell anybody.

     Always remember the Buddy System.  You are much safer when you are with someone (that you know) then when you are alone.  I still use the buddy system with my sister, it sucks because she is always going to the restroom and I have to go with her if we are at a public place, but I know it's worth it because I don't want anything to happen to her.  Women should especially use this system because they are more vulnerable then men.  ALL women should use this, kids, collage students, adults, seniors, EVERYONE!

Check in with you parents.  If someone comes to your school and says they are coming to pick you up, confirm with you parents if you don't already have confirmation.    

If your are left alone at home:  Kids:  If someone knocks on the door and you do not know them, do NOT answer the door!  No matter who they are.  Do not go near any window were they may be able to see you.  Call your parents or guardians and tell them someone is at the door, your parents may know the person and may say they are totally fine, or your parents may not know the person and in that case you should keep them on the phone.  Adults-  Especially women should not open the door if they are alone.  For men it depends.

Try to make the right choices, there are so many people that wish they had made the right decision, yes humans make mistakes and that is part of life, but some choices ( like leaving with someone you don't know) can cost you A LOT.