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When most folks hear the words "human trafficking," they automatically think about sex trafficking. Sex trafficking is the most common form of human trafficking; however, other variations, such as debt bondage, organ harvesting, and labor trafficking remain very much pervasive.

Because labor trafficking isn't as openly discussed by the mainstream as sex trafficking, it can easily fly under the radar. Unfortunately, labor trafficking remains very real with an untold number of people suffering in its clutches.

One place where labor trafficking tends to occur is in the restaurant industry. Reporting this structure of human trafficking is also often easier said than done.

A closer look at labor trafficking in the restaurant industry

Many individuals facing trafficking in the restaurant industry may suffer from poverty or not have legal citizenship in the United States. In numerous cases, human traffickers use these vulnerabilities as leverage to manipulate and coerce their victims.

Traffickers also tend to mislead their victims about the work they're getting into, along with its compensation. In labor trafficking, bait and switch is an all too common tactic employed by perpetrators to gain control.

Labor trafficking victims in the restaurant industry work well over the typical 40-hour workweek. Meanwhile, they're earning below minimum wage while simultaneously striving to pay off a debt (this is known as debt bondage).

To continue their crimes without consequences, labor traffickers often make threats against those they are trafficking.

Deprivation of work breaks and meals is likewise sadly common. The same too applies to traffickers weaponizing potential deportation over trafficking victims without legal US citizens.

The reporting nightmare

Someone hearing about labor trafficking in the restaurant industry may wonder why victims of this crime don't always report it to the authorities. Yet, many labor trafficking victims lack awareness of where to turn for help or how to report it.

Language barriers, a lack of familiarity with the environment, or even not understanding that what they're experiencing is a crime also stand as serious barriers against rescue.

Many of these folks also worry about what they will do for work if they lose the very little bit of money they may be earning at the hands of their traffickers.

Labor trafficking and forced labor remain woefully underreported; therefore prosecutions and convictions have not reached the appropriate levels.

Raising awareness about labor trafficking is one of the most powerful tools to assist those in need of support and rescue.

Anyone who wishes to report what they believe to be human trafficking can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline via phone at 1 (888) 373-7888 or by text at 233733.