California passed a groundbreaking law to help fight human trafficking by raising awareness. Yet, many businesses mandated to comply with this law are not adhering. This blog summarizes the law, why it’s important, and outlines how you can help spread the word about this statewide effort to help prevent this horrible crime.
Human trafficking is not just an overseas problem. It is happening right here in our California neighborhoods and cities. Did you know California is one of the nation’s top four states for trafficked persons, and the Bay Area is a national hot spot for human trafficking?
What Is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery where people are forced into labor and exploitation against their will. The victims of this crime are illegally traded and exploited for financial gain. The victims, many children, are deprived of basic human rights such as education, healthcare, and freedom. It has been estimated that human trafficking generates over $150 billion in profits each year, making it one of the most profitable criminal activities in the world.
About The Law
This law mandates certain businesses to display clear and visible notices informing the public and potential victims about resources to combat human trafficking. The intent is to raise awareness about the issue, facilitate the identification of victims, and provide them with ways to seek help.
The Medusa Project, a San Francisco-based nonprofit, is also helping educate the public about human trafficking. Its mission is to prevent human trafficking and violent crime affecting kids, teens, and young adults through information, education, advocacy, and connection.
Businesses That Must Comply
- Alcohol Beverage Control Act licensed establishments
- Adult or sexually oriented businesses
- Primary airports
- Intercity passenger rail or light rail stations
- Bus stations
- Truck stops
- Roadside rest areas
- Emergency rooms within general acute care hospitals
- Urgent care centers
- Farm labor contractors
- Privately operated job recruitment centers
- Businesses that offer massage or bodywork services for compensation and are not described in Business and Professions Code § 4612(b)(1)
- Hotels, motels, and bed and breakfast inns
Where The Notices Must Be Posted
Mandated businesses must post this notice near the public entrance of the establishment or in another conspicuous location in clear view of the public and employees, where similar notices are customarily posted. We recommend also posting the information in the area where other employee rights notices are posted.
The notice must be posted in English, Spanish, and Chinese in San Francisco. If a business has many employees or customers who speak a different language, it may want to post in that language as well.
Unfortunately, many of these businesses have not complied. This lessens the power of this bill to fight against human trafficking.
Why Compliance Is Vital
Studies have shown that in other states where similar posting requirements have been enacted, there has been an increase in the number of reported trafficking situations and rescues of victims.
Compliance with this law doesn’t just mean putting up a poster. It means consistently working to prevent this crime. It also means becoming a beacon of hope for victims looking for a way out.
How You Can Help
Awareness is the first step to change. If you frequent any of these mandated businesses, look for the notices. If you don’t see them in the designated post places, ask the management why. Please encourage them to comply.
Spreading the word also means talking about it. Start conversations with your friends, family, and acquaintances. Share this information on your social media platforms. The more people know, the harder it becomes for businesses to remain non-compliant.
Human trafficking thrives in the shadows. When society remains ignorant about it or indifferent, the traffickers operate efficiently. Help shed light on this terrible crime and stand up for those who can’t stand up for themselves. Also, if you suspect someone might be a victim, don’t turn a blind eye. Please report it.
Together, let’s make The Bay area and the whole state of California a beacon of hope for the countless victims of human trafficking.
For more information about how to educate the public and the vulnerable about human trafficking, visit The Medusa Project’s website.