BY PHIL CUSTODIO
Clarkston News Editor
A recent post on the Positively Clarkston Facebook page had a warning for parents about “a family who lives in Clarkston who caught a man taking pictures of their 11 or 12 year old daughter as the girl was in their yard. First time he was seen he drove off. He then came back another day in a different car. The mom saw him. Police were called. They are unable to identify the man, but the scary part is the police went on a special online site and there was a picture of their daughter on there and the bidding was taking place for this girl. She was listed for sale. This is a TRUE story! It happened in Clarkston. We think it’s just on Lifetime movies or in big cities, but it’s right here!”
According to Oakland County Sheriff”s Office, this incident was looked into and found unsubstantiated and unfounded. However, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners considers human trafficking a serious issue, creating a Human Trafficking Task Force in January 2017 to develop a plan addressing the issue countywide.
Also, Clarkston Coalition For Youth (CCFY) and Clarkston Area Youth Assistance (CAYA) are hosting a Stop Human Trafficking Workshop on Thursday, Jan. 31, from 7-8 p.m. at the Clarkston Community School Administration Building Board Room, 6389 Clarkston Road.
Speakers from the Michigan State Police and Michigan Abolitionist Project will present information on the issue and how to help. Call 248-320-4550 for more information.
According to the county task force, human trafficking is the fastest growing and second largest criminal industry in the world, with more than 31,600 total cases of human trafficking reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline in the last eight years. Michigan has the 11th highest call volume to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
Children are trafficked for use in sex industries such as prostitution, pornography, sex tourism, and forced marriage. They are also used for domestic work, sweatshop work, migrant farming, begging, and armed services.
Human traffickers methods include creating a dependence of the victim through financial needs, debt, drugs, and the need for a safe place to stay; blackmailing with threats of turning in the victim or those in their family who are undocumented, or threatening to expose the youth’s past actions or pictures to parents and/or peers; threats of violence; and isolation from family and friends.
Signs a child may be a victim include knowing little about his or her whereabouts; works excessively long hours; exhibits fear and anxious behavior; was hired with false promises; and has inconsistencies in his or her story.
Warning signs a child is being prepared for future trafficking include spending an increasing amount of time online or on their phone; sudden change in appearance, how he/she dresses, or grooming habits; suddenly having items they wouldn’t be able to afford, such as a cell phone, new clothes, etc.; becoming withdrawn from family; and becoming more secretive.
To help prevent children from being trafficked, know your child’s friends and who they talk to, establish guidelines for and monitor use of Internet, apps, and devices, and teach your child about healthy relationships and personal boundaries.
Resources include Nurse on Call (NOC), 800-848-5533; National Human Trafficking Hotline, 888-373-7888 or text “INFO” or “HELP” to: BeFree (233733). Call or text the Common Ground Resource and Crisis Helpline at 800-231-1127