DHS trains Gainesville hotel workers to spot sex trafficking

The Department of Homeland Security came to Gainesville to help hotel employees learn how to recognize potential sex trafficking victims.

They gathered at a Hampton Inn as part of DHS’ Blue Campaign, ‘the unified voice for DHS’ efforts to combat human trafficking which involves law enforcement, government, non-governmental, and private organizations to protect the basic right of freedom and bring those who exploit human lives to justice.”

Potomac Local was initially invited by hotel management to attend and cover the training, however, DHS officials quickly shut us out the room. DHS told Potomac Local the training session was not for public consumption.

According to the Blue Campaign website, the program coaches hotel staff by paying attention to the signs of possible sex trafficking situations. It stresses that there are many signs to look for in identifying possible sex trafficking victims such large groups of people, paying with only cash, refusing room service, or keeping someone locked up for days.

Fear and anxiety, signs of physical abuse, lack of freedom of movement, and others could also be potential signs of domestic violence.

Regional Director of Sales and Marketing for ING Hotels – Hampton Inn Thida Win-Love asked DHS to provide the training to the staff.

“I feel like it’s getting worse, you can always tell when you see a bunch of girls staying in one room for days without room service, cleaning, or having no contact with hotel staff,” said Win-Love

The National Trafficking Hotline has recorded 51,919 total cases of sex trafficking reports since 2007. Sex Trafficking is one type of human trafficking as defined by the Blue Campaign, forced labor, and domestic servitude are also placed under this umbrella.

It should also be noted that according to their handout while prostitution is not necessarily considered sex trafficking anyone engaging in commercial sex acts who is under the age of 18 is considered to be a victim of human trafficking.