national-missing-children-s-day-saturday-ag-rokita-warns-of-human-trafficking-at-events-like-indy-500
As the Greatest Spectacle in Racing, the Indianapolis 500 is unparalleled as an international sporting event. Unfortunately, large events are known to create increased demand for trafficked individuals providing manual labor, sex for hire and other services.
“Spectator events of such grand scale are ripe for human traffickers looking for opportunities to carry out their heinous crimes,” Attorney General Todd Rokita said. “As we excitedly participate in the greatest spectacle in racing, we need to keep our eyes and ears open for human trafficking as well. By reporting suspicions to local law enforcement, we can help authorities nab these predators and save victims.”
Following are signs that someone might be a victim of trafficking:
They appear submissive or fearful. They are prohibited from speaking alone to strangers. They give answers that appear to be scripted or rehearsed. They show signs of physical abuse.“Human traffickers can prey on anyone, regardless of their age, race or background,” Attorney General Rokita said. “It’s up to all of us to play a role in shutting down this devastating criminal enterprise.”
People in certain job roles — such as medical professionals, restaurant workers, and hotel employees — are particularly likely to come into contact with trafficking victims.
If you have suspicions that someone is being trafficked, call local law enforcement immediately. You may also report suspicions to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
In addition to raising awareness, Attorney General Rokita and his team are engaged in other efforts to combat human trafficking.
The Office of the Attorney General operates the Address Confidentiality Program, which helps protect victims of certain crimes — including those who have been trafficked — by concealing their residential address from the public and thereby their victimizers. Learn more about the program at the Attorney General’s website.
In February, Attorney General Rokita announced all K-5 students in Indiana would receive a child ID kit in 2024 — free of charge to Indiana families. Child ID kits give parents a tool to provide detailed information, a photograph, fingerprint, and DNA to law enforcement quickly. Completed kits are kept in a safe place at home, out of a database, so parents are prepared if the unthinkable happens. Kits will be distributed by superintendents and school resource officers to students this fall.
As it happens, this year the Indianapolis 500 race weekend coincides with National Missing Children’s Day, which is May 25. The day is intended to encourage parents, guardians and communities to make child safety a priority — and as a reminder to continue our efforts to reunite missing children with their families.
Crawfordsville’s Ben-Hur Building earns Indiana’s top restoration honor
HIP work requirements pre-screening tool now available
Parke County health officials urge action if experiencing measles symptoms
Trail re-opened at Turkey Run following storm damage, repair
Shipment of counterfeit watches stopped by Indianapolis CBP
Stellar Pathways program accepting applicants
Southwest Parke Community School Corporation ready for school year
Rosedale man arrested on child sex crimes charges
Vermillion County Commissioners meeting halted before big topic
Rockville woman injured in Monday rollover crash
United Way of the Wabash Valley creates grant to support kindergarten readiness
IDEM announces grants to improve local waste management
48 hours until the Indiana State Fair opens
New Office of Cybersecurity established in Indiana
