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01.28.2020
A Stylist’s Mission To End Human Trafficking
A Stylist’s Mission To End Human Trafficking
Human Trafficking isn’t something a hairdresser should have to worry about. In 2018, however, salons and spas were one of the top locations for this crime to be reported. Shocking, right? As Human Trafficking Awareness month ends on January 31st, we wanted to share the opportunity we had to work with a hairstylist that is passionate about educating our industry! On behalf of Hairdressers At Heart, we were able to give a donation in order to help Haley to continue her mission to #endtrafficking.
Pictured to the left is a long-time advocate and hairstylist Haley Garber (@beautybyhaleygarber). It is because of Haley that Professionalstore.com, Hairdressers at Heart and Wella Professionals, have been able to educate salons across the country this month about the crime that is being committed right in front of our eyes. Read below to learn more.
What Is Human Trafficking?
According to the Polaris Project, a non-profit focused on human trafficking awareness, “U.S. law defines human trafficking as the use of force, fraud or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts, labor or services against his or her will.” The 150 billion dollar industry makes more money annually than Google, Nike and Starbucks combined.
Who’s The Most Vulnerable?
“Anyone is vulnerable to be trafficked, though some are more susceptible. The most common ages of entry into trafficking [are between] 12 and 14,” says Haley. “The internet has opened many doors for this as it is easier than ever to groom people.”
The saddest part is that most victims are introduced through someone they know and trust. “It is a high misconception that kidnapping and violence are trafficking, when in fact it is often a grooming process of fitting basic needs, creating dependency and pseudo-family.”
What Are The Signs And Common Behaviors?
- The client is always accompanied by someone who makes all of their beauty decisions and pays in cash.
- The client is under constant surveillance by their partner.
- Strange bruising around the head and neck.
- The client is very reserved, isn’t sure where they are or avoids eye contact.
- The client has a brand, usually in the form of a tattoo along the ear or neckline with something like a barcode, ‘daddy’s girl’, a name, etc.
So I Think My Client Is A Victim?
What do you do if you suspect one of your clients is a victim of human trafficking? First, it helps to have the National Human Trafficking Hotline’s phone number in your phone. “If you believe you may have a trafficking situation in your chair, please keep safety in mind and do not ‘out’ the potential victim or confront the potential trafficker. Texting the hotline helps keep safety a priority and they are able to walk you through the situation. You can also text them to learn more,” says Haley.
You can reach the National Human Trafficking Hotline by phone at 1-(888)-373-7888 or by text at (233733).
How To Stay Informed?
Want to know more about the subject? Look up classes and seminars in your area. “Salons and spas can make their spaces safer by getting educated,” emphasizes Haley. “There are so many mistruths about human trafficking going around social media right now. The most powerful thing that one can do is take a training course to understand the truth about it. Following that a salon can then take the steps to create safety in their salon.”
For more information or to donate, visit polarisproject.org
#HairdressersAgainstHumanTrafficking
#EndTrafficking
#HairdressersAtHeart