06/13/2019
RE: Human Trafficking during CWS... ATTENTION all Hospitality/Salon/Tattoo industry, etc: Heads up friends. Friday the, 14th of June kicks off the College World Series here in Omaha. Here are useful tips for salons in the city and along the I80 and I29 corridor.
Common services requested;
Nails, waxing, hair, makeup
Will more than likely always be a walk in service.
Usually an older adult will do most of the talking and will hover over the client getting the service. The older adult will be in possession of the clients belongings and handle all the money and ID. These are just some of the things that can be a red flag.
* Inconsistent stories
* Unsure of their whereabouts
* Branding (tattoos, often with a males name or “daddy”)
* Lack of eye contact
* Nervous behavior, withdrawn
* Bruising
Your front desk can be your first line of defense. Have a plan at your salon in case you do witness something. A safe word is a way instantly put the others in your salon on alert. Have the hotline and local non-emergency line programmed into your phone. Your tip can be anonymous. Because it can be so difficult to know if you are in contact with a victim, if your gut says something is off, send in a tip. The more they are receiving in an area the more they are able to build a case.
We are also in the unique position that we can separate a victim from their trafficker. If you notice the trafficker is hanging around a little too close, saying “I am sorry but the only person able to be on the service floor is the client due to the amount of chemicals/sharp tools/hot tools, etc.” “Only the client may be in the treatment room.”
If the suspected trafficker seems unusually upset about this, and the client looks nervous, this can be a red flag. Also it gives you the opportunity to speak directly with the client. Asking a casual “are you okay?” can change everything for them.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
Call 1-888-373-7888
Text 233733 (text HELP or INFO)
DO NOT ATTEMPT TO CONFRONT A TRAFFICKER ON YOUR OWN. There is an astronomical amount of money involved. Please tip off the hotlines and allow them to handle the situation
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