- January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month, but for Wedgwood Christian Services Manasseh Project, raising awareness and activating change to fight human trafficking, is a year long mission.

A key part of raising awareness is sharing the realities of human trafficking and dispelling common myths.

That's what we'll discuss and more on today's Mutually Inclusive.

(gentle music) - [Announcer] Support for Mutually Inclusive comes from the W.K.

Kellogg Foundation, a partner with communities where children come first.

- Hi there and welcome to Mutually Inclusive.

I'm your host Kylie Ambu, and today I'm joined with Nikeidra-Battle Debarge.

She's the project coordinator and lead trainer for Wedgwood's Man NASA project.

So thank you so much for being here with me today.

I really appreciate it.

- Thank you for having me.

- So I'd love to know more about the Manasseh Project, because you're doing just great work right now in the area of human trafficking.

Can you give me just a short snippet of what this project is?

- Yeah, so the Manasseh Project is an outreach of Wedgwood Christian Services.

We have a, it's like kind of a two-part program.

So we have a trauma recovery center for girls who have been trafficked or are at high risk of being trafficked, and then we have the program, the Manasseh Program, which is the community portion of that, where we're doing education, awareness in the community and helping those in West Michigan understand, and around the state understand what trafficking is, what it looks like, and how they can be a part of removing this issue.

- Yeah, and I love that, of what trafficking is, 'cause that was one of my questions for you.

I know human trafficking has been, I think more covered in the media the last five years or so.

And so it's something people know about, but when you talk about what's the definition, it's still kind of murky waters for a lot of people.

So can you tell me a bit about what exactly human trafficking is?

- Yeah, so human trafficking is when someone uses force, fraud, or coercion to take advantage of someone for sex or for labor.

And so we have sex trafficking, and then we have labor trafficking, which is often time not talked about.

We hear more about sex trafficking, but labor trafficking is something that a lot of us participate on a daily basis with the coffee that we buy, the chocolate that we buy, the clothing that we wear, and the hair salons, and nail salons.

So we participate a lot in the labor aspect of that because there are typically people who are being exploited that are providing the service for us in that way.

So basically, that's what trafficking is, is someone taking advantage of someone.

And for someone under the age of 18, they're automatically considered trafficked if they are being taken advantage of in that way.

With someone that is above 18, they have to prove force, fraud, or coercion, or at least one element of that.

- And I'm so glad that you did bring up labor trafficking, 'cause you're right, it's something that falls to the wayside a little bit in the overall discussion, and you hit it with the three Cs.

Is that still true that the three biggest areas for labor trafficking is chocolate, clothing, and coffee?

- For the most part, yes, definitely.

Like I said, the food industry itself.

When you think about the hotel industries, and so it goes beyond that, but those are some of, those are the main.

I mean, anywhere that there's a service being provided, there could be trafficking.

- Yeah, absolutely.

And hearing about the topic, it seems, it's very nuanced, right?

There's so many layers to it.

I can't imagine being in your seat and really coordinating a lot of the prevention and response.

What made you wanna get into a field like this?

- Well, I've been at Wedgwood for quite some time.

Actually this is my 20th year there.

So I've worked with this population over time in residential, in foster care, in the schools.

And I was actually in a foster, as a foster case manager.

Our program closed, and the Manasseh Project actually had an opening, and I wasn't ready to leave.

And so they told me about it.

So it wasn't necessarily that I was going to, that I was purposefully going into this field.

It was something that kind of was a thing that I got pulled into.

And because of my experience working with this population from different arenas, I was able to put my expertise with my passion at that point, which became my passion.

- And now your expertise in this area too.

And I'm glad that we have that today because Wedgwood recently released, it was a series of five myths and truths that often coincide with human trafficking and exploitation.

So I was hoping that you, I'm gonna pull out my little paper, and I'm hoping you can help me like tackle through some of those.

- I will do my best.

- All right.

So the first actually really surprised me because I hear this all the time.

Michigan is the second highest rate of human trafficking in the country.

Can you talk with me about what isn't quite true there?

- Unfortunately, we don't have a lot of good data around trafficking for multiple reasons.

Individuals are not necessarily saying, "Hey, I'm being trafficked."

So they don't necessarily self-identify.

So there are people who are not a part of a system that are being exploited and are not being counted.

Then you have individuals who are moving from place to place.

Though they don't have to move from place to place in a trafficking situation, that typically happens.

And so then do you count them from in one state, and then do you count 'em in another?

And so there's not good data around that, but there is a sting that typically happened, happens annually.

And the number of arrests or a number of individuals who were taken from those situations or taken into care from those situations, if those numbers are higher in one state over the other, that state becomes the highest number for those who are witnessing this.

And so those numbers tend to get pulled by social media and people sharing that information, but we just don't know for sure who is the number one state, or we just don't know.

- Absolutely.

Right, and once someone gets ahold of information, it starts to spread.

It just becomes a wide known fact sometimes.

- Yeah.

- So I'm glad that you're here to help clear that up.

- Yeah.

- Thanks, yeah.

The second was, human trafficking involves movement across state or national borders.

- Trafficking does not have to.

You can be living in your home and be trafficked.

You don't have to move from place to place.

A lot of times people get that confused with human smuggling.

And typically that is a crime against a country.

And typically those who are being smuggled want to be smuggled into that country.

Now, eventually they may.

Once they get to their destination, they may be trafficked because of the lack of resources or lack of connections.

But with trafficking, you don't have to move from place to place, although that may be a component of that person's experience.

- Okay, gotcha.

And the third was traffickers target victims that they don't know.

I think this one's really interesting.

- Yeah, over half the cases that we know of have been from someone that they know or a family member.

And so a lot of times we hear that person is being kidnapped.

Does kidnapping happen?

Absolutely.

But most often they've met this person either online, or it was someone that they've known and had a trusting relationship or has built a trusted relationship over time.

And then they have been coerced into this industry through that relationship.

And so, yeah, we hear more.

I think it's through hyperbole.

People hear these things, and it sounds like something that would add to the issue of trafficking.

When you think about, they must have been taken.

And then we have the movies, and we have different things that support that idea.

But the reality is, is that most people are, most times they have already started to develop a relationship with a person that is exploiting them.

- And I'd like to get, I think we will get to this later, but I'll ask now.

Does that make it harder for a lot of people to seek help when they have that relationship already established?

- Oh, absolutely.

Absolutely.

A lot of times they've been manipulated into believing that this person is their boyfriend, or their girlfriend, or their significant other.

And so now they are either afraid to leave a situation because of fear or because they are not sure if this person is really for them, even if they're harming them.

They've built so much trust with them, and they've made them believe that they care for them in the grooming process.

And so a lot of times they don't want to leave a situation because they don't, they feel like, or it's hard for another person to recognize these things because of that bond that they may have created.

And then that person has learned how to behave in that person's, while they're with that person, or with their trafficker.

And so it can be make it difficult.

- Yeah, absolutely.

And I look forward because I know later on we're gonna start talking about some of the red flags to look out for, and I'm sure that will be in the list of ones that we'll have to watch if there's a relationship there already established.

- [Nikeidra] Yeah.

- All right, moving on to the next one.

Human trafficking is usually a violent crime.

- Trafficking can be a violent crime.

However, like I was talking about, the grooming process, a lot of it's Romeo pimping where they have a relationship with that person.

And sometimes we think of, when we see images on TV or in movies, we see the person shackled, literally shackled or in a corner.

The reality is, is that a lot of times they're not physically shackled, but mentally shackled or emotionally shackled.

And because of that, they don't wanna necessarily leave that situation even if they are being physically harmed, or even if that person is not, or if that person is not physically harming them, but they're telling them they're going to hurt them or hurt someone that they care about, then they'll typically stay in that situation.

But violence doesn't, physical violence doesn't necessarily have to be a part of those situations, especially in the beginning.

Now it may, once they start to fight back or start to recognize that they're in a bad situation and kind of rebut some of those things, then there might be violence to try to keep them in that industry.

- Right, but what you're saying is it can start with more of a mental manipulation.

- Absolutely, yeah.

Starts with the mental manipulation.

It starts with creating a relationship, buying new things, taking them out, just making, and filling a void that that person who is typically vulnerable enough to get into a situation like this, they're looking for someone to fill that void.

And so a lot of times the traffickers play that role in the beginning.

- Have you seen it taking a little longer too for survivors or victims to recognize that type of behavior when it's not physical and it's mental?

'Cause I think sometimes people get in their own head, maybe it's just me, maybe I'm just misinterpreting.

- Yeah, and a lot of times, because that person may have come out of a bad situation already, they feel indebted to that person, because even though it's not the greatest situation, it may have been better than the situation that they come from.

Like if they were homeless, or they were being sexually abused or physically abused by their parents or loved one.

And this person, especially in the beginning stages, are being kind to them.

They're creating ways that they can bond through their stories that they've told them.

Then the likelihood of that person wanting to leave that situation, they're like, what?

A lot of times they feel like there's no option.

And that's the thing with trafficking.

People here think that it's a choice that they're making when a lot of times it's the lack of choice.

- Right, absolutely.

Very complex, a lot of different layers in the situation.

And that's great insight, so thank you.

- You're welcome.

- Our last myth is people being trafficked are physically unable to leave their situations, are locked in and/or held against their will.

That kinda goes into what we were just saying.

- Right.

So they don't necessarily.

Some situations might be that way, but a lot of times they're under a substance.

They've gotten them addicted to a substance, and so they know that they can't find that substance somewhere else, or they don't know how to manage it, financially get the drugs, or alcohol, or whatever they're addicted to.

And so they count on their trafficker.

And so, yes, that's goes on into what we basically were just talking about.

- And it seems like a lot of these, I guess, areas of discussion kind of create a cycle, like one will affect another, which can affect another.

- Absolutely.

- So when we talk about red flags and what to look out for, I want to I guess separate a few because I know a big part of the project is not just working with adults who are being trafficked, but also children.

Is there a difference when we talk about what to watch for?

- Well, our program is specifically for youth, but we do a lot of professional development, different things like that with education.

And so when we're having conversations with adults, we're talking about making sure that they have a relation.

Typically when we're talking about adults, we're talking about how to support those who may be vulnerable to exploitation, especially when they're under the age of 18.

So we're talking to them about building a relationship.

Trafficking is highly relational.

And so making sure that they have a safe space to have conversations about the things that they're going on in their lives.

And they don't have to necessarily go to someone else when they have a safe person to talk to.

We're talking to students who are in classrooms or in our programs.

We're talking to them about making sure you have a safe person to talk to if you get in certain situations, making sure that you know the difference between a healthy relationship and an unhealthy relationship.

So that if someone is to approach you, you understand some of the things that, you might start to notice some of the things that they're saying and how that doesn't, how things doesn't add up.

And helping them to understand how to use their gut and their inner voice is a big part of just helping them to navigate some of the situations that they may face and how to avoid some of that.

- And I don't wanna say that these are small things because they're very big.

I mean something as like using your voice is huge and will carry on throughout your life.

But when you talk about we're going to talk with youth and children about human trafficking, I think a lot of people go, whoa, because it's a heavy topic.

But you're saying you're starting out with just something as simple as what's a healthy relationship.

And in a child's eyes, whatever that looks like, kind of showing them what healthy relationships are, what unhealthy relationships might look like.

- Absolutely.

And trafficking is kind of like the end game, right?

There's so many vulnerabilities and different things that lead to that.

And so having healthy conversations is one of them.

Making sure that, because if I don't know what's healthy, then I won't be able to recognize what's unhealthy.

And talking to them about their social media usage and how to stay safe when they are meeting new people online and not meeting people in person without someone else around or in isolated places.

And just really going where they are, their day-to-day lives.

Not trying to make them afraid but to help them to have the skill to be able to identify things as well as to avoid things.

And so that's a conversation that we have to have.

There is no bubble.

And so I think a lot of times parents or caregivers, they wanna keep their kid in a bubble or not expose them to certain things, but if we don't have those necessary conversations, then they don't know what to do when they're getting into situations like this.

- Absolutely.

And so I think it's great because you're talking with people who daily interact with children, if it's caregivers, parents, et cetera.

What about folks, I'll say like me, who I don't have children.

I have a passion for them though, and I would like to be able to do more in the community.

I think that a lot of our viewers will feel the same way.

How do I get involved in help?

- Well, mentorship is huge.

Like I said, trafficking is highly relational.

And so if we can build opportunities to develop positive relationships through mentorship, through conversations, just conversations and education is a huge piece to that.

And sharing the information that you have with other people so that they can be empowered to have these conversations as well.

But I think the biggest for me is, the biggest thing I would tell people is to get involved in some of the programs.

We have a lot of different programs here, specifically in West Michigan, that we're your support, and just being able to give genuine love and care to an individual who may have not experienced that before and don't know what that looks like.

'Cause you can fill that void for them versus someone who doesn't mean them any, mean them well.

- Absolutely.

And you mentioned some different resources.

I know Wedgwood has some partnerships out there.

Do you have any specific places that you would guide folks to?

- Yeah, so I would tell you, so I know Safe Haven has a newer program around human trafficking, but they also teach and educate on violence prevention, youth violence prevention and teen dating violence.

We are in partnership with them to educate as well.

We have a grant with Kent ISD where we're in the schools, and we're able to educate students and staff on trafficking, recognizing and responding to trafficking.

And we were able to develop a human trafficking school safety protocol to help the educators and other school staff know how to navigate that process if they are, they do have someone that they may be concerned is being exploited or have some high risk of being exploited.

And so AYA is a homeless shelter, and a drop-in center rather, and they do have housing.

So that's another thing 'cause homelessness is one of the number one entries into trafficking.

So if we can deal with some of that stuff, we can definitely decrease the amount of individuals that we're seeing being exploited because of that specific vulnerability.

- Yeah, absolutely.

And you had mentioned too, for people if they suspect someone might be exploited, what are some of the warning signs for people to look out for when we're even interacting with people?

- And you know what, the hard thing about this is that you may not be able to see it.

- Yeah.

- A lot of times, and I'll go back again to relationship, if you don't necessarily have a relationship with someone, you don't know the difference.

You don't know the changes that they may be exhibiting.

But there may be situations where like when we're going, when we're talking about, when I'm talking to nurses, and I'm talking to them about noticing that a person is with someone who's not necessarily their parent or guardian, but they're answering questions for them, or they feel like they can't talk alone, or they're kinda anxious, or if they have bruises, scars, or marks on them, that might be an identifier.

If they have like multiple STDs or they're having a lot of different issues around that, that that might be an indicator that something is going on.

If you see someone with a older controlling person, and that's another thing because peers can also be traffickers, right?

Or at least those who are aiding in the trafficking situation.

So that they've already been in the situation.

They may be used to recruit.

So sometimes it's not a older person.

It could be a peer.

So sometimes it's not easy to see, but those are just some of the things that you might be able to notice.

A person may be looking disheveled, looking like they are out of place, or they may be dressed inappropriately for the weather, or seem like they are nervous all the time, anxious.

Those are things that you might pick up on, but you may not know if you don't have any connection with that person.

- Yeah, absolutely.

And I think what comes to mind for me is the news stories that you see of a flight attendant acting on, on their instinct, right?

When they end up saving a child who was being trafficked across in a plane.

And so I think for a lot of us we're thinking, oh gosh, how would I ever know?

And you're right, there are a lot of times that you won't.

If you do suspect it though, what is a good way to have that type of conversation?

Because there's a lot at risk.

You gotta make sure you have a trauma-informed response.

I mean, what are some ways to kind of bridge that conversation?

- It depends on the setting, of course, but if you're just kind of out and about, you can ask the question of, "Are you okay?"

That a lot of times people don't think to ask, are you okay?

They just go right in.

A lot of times, what I will say is kind of just be human with people.

There's no red cape that you can put on to try to rescue a person.

And you also have to be careful too because you might be putting yourself in a bad situation.

So if that person seems like they're in a bad situation, and that person, their trafficker could be close by, if there's a way you can have a conversation with that person without making it a big scene or feeling like you have to take them away from that scenario, ask questions like, "How are you doing?

Are you okay?

Is there anything that I can get for you?

Is there anything that you need?

How may I support you?"

If that person's having a conversation with you, be engaged and not let your feelings about their situation corrupt that conversation because they don't necessarily want to get away from the situation, but they know they may need to.

Yeah, so those are just some of those things that may be beneficial in those times where you might see something.

Call the police if you don't try to do, take matters into your own hands.

Call the police and let them know what you're seeing, and make sure that you are paying attention to what they're wearing, the scene that they're in, if they're in a car, or the building, or whatever.

Anything that you see, get as much information as you can to report it.

- No, that's super helpful.

And I think for a lot of people, they see something, they wanna act really quickly, and it can be a little, me, me, me in your mind and more of what am I gonna do, versus what's best in this situation, and what's the best call for this person right now?

- Absolutely.

And there was another resource that I wanted to add to that.

- Yeah, absolutely.

- I know Leslie King is a survivor here in West Michigan, and she has a organization with Home Base that individuals can drop in and get support as well.

So that's another resource that that may be, Sacred Beginnings is the organization, but Home Base is the drop-in center where you can get clinical support and other resources to help guide you to your next.

- Wonderful.

I think my last question for you today, thanks for hanging with us this morning.

- No, no problem.

- But where do you see the Manasseh Project heading?

What are your goals moving forward?

- Well, obviously we're going to continue to educate.

We want to do some more community programs because not all individuals who are trafficked are in a system, like I said before.

So they may not be in a foster care or juvenile detention center.

So how can we connect with the community to provide a space for those who may be experiencing some of those vulnerabilities that go to school every day?

And how can we prevent a person getting into a program like the Manasseh?

So what are some things that we can do?

And so that's what we'll be building, and working on, and trying to connect more with the community in regards to a safe space for them to drop in and talk about some of the things that, a place where they can get that education around some of the things that they're experiencing.

- Wonderful, absolutely.

Well, thank you so much, not just for coming on and educating us about myths and truths about human trafficking and things to watch out for, but also sharing your vision, and what you have for the community, and the work that you're doing.

I really appreciate it.

- Thank you.

- Absolutely.

And for more information on human trafficking resources and Wedgwood's work, be sure to head to our website.

You can check it out at wgvu.org/mutuallyinclusive.

Thank you so much for joining us as well, and we'll see you next time.

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