Human Trafficking and the Spa Industry

In 2023 the state of Texas increased the required amount of time for teaching human trafficking in the continuing education programs. You may notice the state approved education programs for cosmetology, teach human trafficking for a full hour now. Sadly, this change is due to the fact that human trafficking is so prevalent, and awareness needs to be spread. What is our part as providers in the spa industry to help the situation?

Human trafficking includes labor and sex trafficking. Men women and transgender people of all ages including children can be victims. Individuals from any cultural and economic background can be targeted. Victims are usually vulnerable in some sort of way, making them suceptible to the traffickers ploy. They will be groomed expertly sometimes over months or years.

The signs of human trafficking are subtle and not always physical. Traffickers often use threats, drugs and debt to trap their victims. The trafficker may use financial threats, deporation or violence to the victims family as maniplulation tactics. Human sex trafficking victims may think their abuser loves and cares for them. By understanding what human trafficking is, what signs to look for, and whom to contact for help, eveyone can play a role in identifying and supporting victims.

If you realize that someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, it is not your job to save them on the spot. Some victims may not even know they are a victims. Instead provide a safe space for them without invading their privacy and report your concern to the appropriate organization. Give them your contact information in case they decide to reach out to you for help on their own accord.

To report human trafficking call 1-888-373-7888 or text BEFREE to 233733.

If you would like to learn more, our Texas continuing education course contains 4 modules teaching on human traficking.