Help Center

 

In the United States it is ILLEGAL to:

Force or threaten you to work

Force or threaten you into prostitution

Make you work to pay off a debt

Hold you against your will to make you work

Hold your passport or travel documents so that you cannot escape

If this is happening to you or someone you know

HELP IS AVAILABLE.

Your immigration status does not matter

 

Who should you contact?

Contact local law enforcement (911) if you are immediate danger

 

Contact the Trafficking Information and Referral Hotline:
1-888-373-7888

or,

Contact the BPSOS branch office closest to you (see list below). BPSOS provides interpretation, counseling, legal and social services to help you.

 

Karina Kirana

6066 Leesburg Pike, Suite 100,

Falls Church, VA 22041

703.647.6484

karina.kirana@bpsos.org

 

Melanie Flamenbaum

7411 Riggs Road, Suite 328

Adelphi, MD 20783

301.439.0505

melanie.flamenbaum@bpsos.org

 

An-Phong Vo

11205 Bellaire Boulevard, Suite #B22,

Houston, TX 77072

281.530.6888

anphong.vo@bpsos.org

 

How can you protect yourself?

You don't have to be a victim any longer. According to U.S. law, traffickers will be prosecuted and made to pay restitution to their victims. Additionally, trafficked persons have immigration options and support services available to them, including health care, housing, transportation, education and legal services. 

 

If an individual or company is making plans for you to work or travel away from home, make sure that you:

  • CHECK with government or non-government legal and social service agencies on the legitimacy of your employer. Check both in your home country and in your intended destination.
  • DO NOT give your passport to anyone to keep for you. Your employer has no right to withhold your passport.
  • KEEP copies of your passport information and other forms of identification in a safe place where only you can find them
  • MAINTAIN CONTACT with a family member or friend at home once you have started work If you think that you or someone you know is in this situation, do not hesitate to get help.

 

Information for Service Providers

To schedule a training on human trafficking or for general program information please contact:

Beth Leodler - Outreach Coordinator

Survivor Services Department

703-647-6495

beth.leodler@bpsos.org