Human trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of a person for labor, services, or commercial sex against his/her will. At the 911 Cell Phone Bank, we’re taking action. The cell phones we collect and recycle are used to support our mission: to provide no-cost emergency devices to victims of human trafficking and domestic violence.
Did you know?
- Human trafficking occurs in every state within the US.
- In 2020, 10,583 situations of human trafficking were reported to the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline involving 16,658 individual victims.
- The number of people being trafficked in the world rose 12% between 2016 and 2021.
- Some 27.6 million people across the globe are living without the freedom to choose how they live and work.
- Trafficking can affect men, women, and children. Women and girls represent 65 percent of all trafficking victims globally. More than 90 percent of detected female victims are trafficked for the purpose of sexual exploitation.
How you can help
- Know the signs. Visit the Human Trafficking Hotline website for tips on what to look for to identify trafficking.
- Report a tip: Contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline if you have any concerns about a potential trafficking situation. Call 1-888-373-7888, text HELP to BEFREE (233733), or email help@humantraffickinghotline.org.
- Donate cell phones or other personal electronic devices from your personal collection, from your lost-and-found department, or from your property-and-evidence room. These donations help victims of human trafficking contact emergency services when the need arises. Participating in our program is free and easy, and you can be happy knowing you are doing your part to help victims in your community!
Vulnerable victims
A victim of human trafficking finally agreed to talk to the police about her seven years of exploitation, violence, and abuse. Services were put into place for her and her 3-year-old child, ensuring she was not alone in this journey. A 911CPB cell phone was provided to the victim to restore her ability to stay connected with law enforcement, advocates, and her family. This was the turning point for this victim in building a positive relationship with those determined to help her – the very same people she once feared.
Elynne Greene, Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department, NV
