“Miami, Florida, Schoolteacher and Ex-Husband Sentenced for Human Trafficking and Smuggling Charges”“Family Accused of Enslaving Workers at Immokalee Camp”“Wealthy Couple Convicted of Slavery”These headlines appear on newspapers and television almost weekly and can be heard on the radio speaking of the devastation that this form of exploitation wrecks on the individual, the community and the nation as a whole. An estimated $32 billion dollar industry worldwide, human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery. Traffickers poised to take advantage of people’s desperation, or misfortune target individuals throughout the world. Approximately 800,000 individuals are trafficked across international borders each year according to the U.S. Department of State, with 14,500 to 17,500 of those victims entering the U.S. In South Florida, traffickers force their victims into various industries, including the agriculture, sex, entertainment, and domestic servitude trades. The majority of these victims are women and children.
Since 2003, the IRC Miami office has provided comprehensive services to over 200 foreign-born trafficked persons. Services provided include placement in safe housing, counseling, cash and medical assistance, life skills training, English and literacy training, job readiness, safety planning and referrals to other services. The program has also worked to build the capacity of communities in South Florida to combat human trafficking by providing presentations to the public and technical assistance to first-line responders.
IRC Miami is also an active member of various coalitions, and networks. In addition, the 2009 Florida Legislature established a Statewide Task Force on Human Trafficking. The legislation created a 19-person panel, which included the IRC, tasked with evaluating the problem of trafficking and recommending strategies to eliminate this human rights violation in the state of Florida.
To further raise awareness on this issue, the IRC in Miami office has created a page on its website dedicated to providing information on its anti-trafficking work in South Florida. Visitors can view the newly launched page here to find information on how to refer cases, request a presentation, or recieve technical assistance. For more information, individuals can call the IRC in Miami office at (305) 640-9881.
