Human Trafficking Awareness Month of January 2018

Human Trafficking Church Focus Group Responses

1. What can you or we do to increase awareness of Human Trafficking in our community?
   • Presentations to youth, business groups, healthcare providers, addiction centers, hotel clerks.
   • Ask questions, go to events that teach about it, be aware/alert.
   • Increase awareness in elementary/middle/high school. Adults to be taught what to look for.
   • Phone calls to media, say something when you see something, educate at school.
   • Teach it in the schools, more in elementary, homes.
2. Have you seen evidence of Human Trafficking in our community?
   • One-person yes, others no.
   • Not first hand.
   • Yes, through the Poste Care system, Sioux Falls is a prime spot because of location.
   • At the mall the storeowners can see the "pimps." Not only be aware, but know how to spot it out.
3. If you saw it or heard of it did you report it?
   • Yes. In a school, referred to counselor.
   • No, not seen.
   • If we did, we would.
   • Yes, in the community people are close knit. See something, say something.
4. If you did not report it, why not?
   • Not sure, safety - self and subject.
   • Some people might be afraid, especially kids, teenagers. What if it is in your own family - shame?
   • Not applicable.
5. How could you or we encourage others to report it if they have seen evidence of it?
   • So many people think it doesn't happen.
   • Teach people what to look for.
   • Anonymity.
   • Schools have become the social services of the world.
6. Why do you think the local news media reports very little about it?
   • Not enough information.
   • Not sensational enough, not enough reporters.
   • People have issues with being educated of the "wrongs" in their communities, they close their eyes to it.
   • Not sensational enough. Not enough, they have limited time.
7. Why do you think the local news media reports very little about Human Trafficking Awareness Month?
   • Lack of awareness, also unaware of the need for the awareness.
8. Other comments or suggestions.
   • Are new laws needed? We had a significant conversation which came to be discussed that subsumed all these questions - WHY?

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Human Trafficking Awareness Month of January 2018

Human Trafficking Church Focus Group Responses
Focus group consisted of 8-10 people at 5 tables.