Be aware of human trafficking

Thousands of racing and horse lovers, music and theatre fans, shopping and food enthusiasts are headed for Saratoga. Human traffickers are also most likely targeting the Spa City. They are bringing their victims of modern-day slavery, knowing that sporting events are great opportunities to ply their trade. (See efforts by Louisville, Ky. to address this problem, or any city that has sponsored a Super Bowl.)

Human trafficking is a $32 billion dollar industry, and growing, surpassing even illegal arms sales. Fifty percent of the exploited are children. All 50 states have reported trafficking within their borders. The commercial areas where you might observe evidence of trafficking are building, agriculture, restaurants, hospitality (inns, motels, B and B’s) domestic employment and commercial sex. Visitors and residents alike can “keep their eyes wide open.” For information about “red flags”--behavior that may indicate a person is being enslaved--go to NationalHumanTraffickingHotline. org. or call 1-800-373-7888. If you have a situation to report, or even suspect, you can also text HELP to BeFree (233733). Anonymous report forms are available also on the website as well as a chat line. Medical personnel may be the only service providers sought by victims.

But any member of the public can come into contact with an exploited person. Education about the scourge of the trafficking of human beings is critical.

Mary Ann Lettau

Watervliet