Human Trafficking Prevention
RWJBarnabas Health is committed to identifying, preventing and responding to human trafficking in New Jersey.
What is Human Trafficking?
Human Trafficking is the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of forced labor, commercial sex or service. Human trafficking is a global issue, but it is a pervasively local issue in New Jersey, home to the RWJBarnabas Health system.
Human Trafficking Warning Signs
Physical: Signs of abuse and injuries, looking malnourished and thin, and/or having tattoos/branding(ex: symbols, barcodes, names, etc.)
Possessions: Having a sudden increase in expensive clothing or jewelry without a reason, extreme increase in money, lacking identification documents
Lack Of Control: Accompanied by someone who is controlling their movements, not able to speak freely, not being in possession of their own money
Behavior: Fearful, unable to speak for themselves, evidence of a controlling relationship (especially those with an older partner)
Isolation: Disconnected from family and friends, less engaged in school/activities, and withdrawn from sports/social activities
Get Help
If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 9-1-1. If you believe you may have information about a trafficking situation, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline by:
- Calling 1-888-373-7888
- Texting 233733
- Chatting humantraffickinghotline.org/chat
RWJBarnabas Health’s Response to Human Trafficking
Through the SOAR to Health and Wellness Training Demonstration Program, RWJBarnabas Health has developed and implemented evidence-based practices across its 12 acute care sites to empower its nurses and care teams to identify and refer people experiencing human trafficking and provide sensitive and safe services to survivors, building upon its existing framework.
The system has also implemented additional proactive policies, comprehensive staff trainings and partnerships with community services and law enforcement agencies to stem the tide of human trafficking and help individuals who are experiencing human trafficking receive appropriate care and services.
Human Trafficking Prevention Training in Ocean County
Through the RWJBarnabas Health Institute for Prevention and Recovery’s Human Trafficking Prevention grant, residents and employees in Ocean County can receive free training to learn what human trafficking is, how to recognize the warning signs and how to safely report. The training is recommended for educators, law enforcement agencies, first responders, social service providers, parents/guardians, healthcare professionals, retail or food service employees, religious leaders/groups and PTA groups.
To schedule a training or learn more, contact Sarah Comey, Manager, Human Trafficking Prevention, at sarah.comey@rwjbh.org.
