Human trafficking is not just an overseas problem—it’s happening in our own communities, sometimes even in seemingly ordinary houses. Tradespeople like plumbers, electricians, HVAC techs, and others often see more of a client’s home than any other profession, giving them a unique vantage point to notice signs that something may be very wrong. Inspired by the film Sound of Freedom and the work of Operation Underground Railroad (OUR), here are some insights and practical steps for those in the trades to help combat trafficking and exploitation.
The Importance of Sound of Freedom and OUR
-
The Film and Real-Life Impact
- Sound of Freedom spotlights the global crisis of child trafficking.
- Tim Ballard’s true story underlines how a single individual (and organization) can rescue trafficked children.
-
Operation Underground Railroad (OUR)
- A non-profit fighting human trafficking by partnering with law enforcement worldwide.
- Founded by Tim Ballard, it’s dedicated to rescuing and rehabilitating victims, providing both immediate extraction and long-term aftercare.
-
Why Focus on Tradespeople
- Electricians, plumbers, HVAC technicians, and others enter hundreds of homes each year.
- This frequency of access can place them in positions to spot warning signs no one else sees.
Warning Signs to Watch For
-
Locked or Inaccessible Rooms
- If a homeowner says certain doors are always locked or off-limits, it may indicate they’re hiding something—or someone.
-
Unusual Tension or Fear
- Household members who seem anxious, avoid eye contact, or appear coached in their responses.
-
Physical Marks or Tattoos
- Traffickers sometimes brand victims with tattoos symbolizing ownership (e.g., names, crowns, dollar signs).
-
Overt Security Measures
- Multiple deadbolts or barred windows that seem excessive for a typical household.
-
Unexpected Substances or Paraphernalia
- Condoms, sex toys, or other suspicious items in areas that don’t align with normal living situations.
What You Can Do
-
Trust Your Instincts
- If you get a gut feeling that something is off, don’t dismiss it.
-
Discreetly Gather Observations
- While remaining professional and non-confrontational, note anything highly unusual (extra locks, suspicious interactions, etc.).
-
Contact Authorities or Hotlines
- For immediate danger, call 911.
- For suspicion without direct proof, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
- You can also provide tips anonymously if needed.
-
Do Not Attempt Rescue Yourself
- Kicking in doors or confronting suspects can put both you and potential victims in greater danger.
-
Spread Awareness Among Colleagues
- Encourage your fellow trades professionals to stay informed about the signs of trafficking.
Protecting Our Own Families
-
Open Conversations
- Discuss personal safety, potential risks on social media, and the importance of reporting suspicious activity.
-
Online Vigilance
- Monitor children’s gaming and social platforms.
- Teach them to limit friend requests to known contacts and never to share personal info or location details with strangers.
-
Encourage Disclosure
- If anything uncomfortable happens—online or otherwise—kids should feel safe telling a parent or trusted adult.
- Direct them to resources like cybertipline.org if inappropriate images or attempts at exploitation occur.
Resources & Next Steps
- Operation Underground Railroad: ourrescue.org
- National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
- CyberTipLine: cybertipline.org (for reporting explicit content or online grooming)
- Local Authorities: In an urgent scenario, call 911.
Upcoming Livestream
- When: Saturday, 11 AM – 12:30 PM (Central Time)
- Where: Roger Wakefield YouTube Channel
- What: A live Q&A with Matt Osborne, President of OUR, discussing how tradespeople can help identify and report signs of trafficking.
Final Thoughts
No one profession alone can end human trafficking, but each has a vital role to play. As someone in the trades, you have access and insight into private spaces that others rarely see. By staying alert, following your instincts, and knowing which resources to call on, you have the potential to save lives and help dismantle trafficking operations. A simple “I saw something odd and reported it” might make all the difference in the world to a victim in need.
