To be a victim of trafficking is to be exploited, isolated, violated, and imprisoned. Human trafficking takes many forms. Someone may be held as a domestic worker, working unreasonable hours for little or no pay with no time off and no way to find other employment. Someone may be forced into prostitution and isolated from anyone who might help him or her escape. Victims of human trafficking face incredible hurdles in escaping horrendous conditions and accessing help. Often, contact may be made through police action during a brothel raid, in an investigation of housing or employment conditions, or other interactions with officials. A neighbor or passerby may notice something unusual occurring within a household or place of business. All of these contacts are critical in getting someone help. If you or someone you know is a victim of human trafficking, Safe Horizon can help. Our first priority is your safety. Once you are safe, we can help you understand the facts about trafficking, work with law enforcement, and create a safe future. If you need assistance or suspect that someone you know is being held against his or her will, call our hotline or the Department of Justice Complaint Line at: 1 (888) 428-7581. What is HUMAN Trafficking? Often described as modern-day slavery, human trafficking has become an all too common occurrence throughout the world in recent years. Millions of men, women, and children have been trafficked across borders and within countries for the purpose of slave labor ­ typically forced prostitution, bonded sweatshop labor and domestic servitude. In the United States alone, nearly 50,000 women and children are trafficked each year internally and across our borders. New York City has been identified as one of the main entry points for such trafficking. The Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000 defines trafficking as the recruitment and/or the transportation of people using violence, the threat of violence, deception, or other forms of coercion to exploit them sexually or economically for the profit or advantage of others. Under this law, trafficked persons can pursue action against their traffickers and access social services and legal remedies. To contact Safe Horizon's Anti-Trafficking Program, please call the hotline.