Human Sex Trafficking

Have you ever driven by a 24 Hour-Studio and find yourself deep in question about these independently owned businesses? Have you ever wondered how they operate or who works at such a place? Or do you even pay attention to these types of establishments? Did you know that many of these "Massage Parlors or Stress Management" are establishments that are fronts for human trafficking? Many of the women working in these places are often against their own will. The girls are purchased from outside of the United States, so that they do not speak any english. How you go about selling another human being for sex slave and at what price I do not know. What I do know is that it takes one sick individual to become involved in such a transaction. They are brought here to the United States, then forced to sell sex. These girl are left no money or dignity. Most or all of the money paid is taken from her for providing her services. I feel almost sorry for today's hard working Escort, because these sex slaves are working next to nothing, making it impossible to keep working in competition.
Human Sex Trafficking is modern day slavery. Often these girls arrive here as young as 12 years old. These girls are forced into prostitution, and if they do not reach their quota, they are then beaten and raped. I can only hope that the same thing is to come for the "literal" assholes who commit these crimes.
Human Traffickers are also your everyday "pimps" you may encounter with every day. They are walking our streets as free men, as if what they are doing is cool. Listed are some red flags to recognize the signs of human trafficking.
Common Work and Living Conditions: The Individual(s) in Question
Is not free to leave or come and go as he/she wishes
Is under 18 and is providing commercial sex acts
Is in the commercial sex industry and has a pimp / manager
Is unpaid, paid very little, or paid only through tips
Works excessively long and/or unusual hours
Is not allowed breaks or suffers under unusual restrictions at work
Owes a large debt and is unable to pay it off
Their work or living establishment has blacked out/opaque windows, the windows are boarded
up or their are bars on them, barbed wire, security cameras, etc.
Is fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, or nervous/paranoid
Exhibits unusually fearful or anxious behavior after bringing up law enforcement
Avoids eye contact
Poor Physical Health
Lacks health care
Appears malnourished
Shows signs of physical and/or sexual abuse, physical restraint, confinement, or torture
Has few or no personal possessions
Is not in control of his/her own money, no financial records, or bank account
Is not in control of his/her own identification documents (ID or passport)
Is not allowed or able to speak for themselves (a third party may insist on being present and/or translating)
Other
Claims of just visiting and inability to clarify where he/she is staying/address
Lack of knowledge of whereabouts and/or do not know what city he/she is in
Loss of sense of time
Has numerous inconsistencies in his/her story

Please, if you or anyone you know frequents these types of places, or if you know anyone who falls under this category contact the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline at 1-888-3737-888 to report the situation.

We must take a stand and fight for what is just! The girls/women are innocent victims. It is these sick, disgusting men that are behind all of this, and their harm should not go unpunished. So far for 2012, we have sent 5 men to prison through the Harris County Criminal Justice Center for human trafficking, but there are thousands out there that have yet to be caught. Slavery is on the rise, and we need to become more aware of what is going on in the strip mall down the street, or our own office every day.