WACO, TX — Texas restaurants are stepping up to combat human trafficking with training and resources across the state.
On Tuesday, the Texas Restaurant Association launched downloadable signage for restaurants to hang in their restrooms.
Texas ranks number two for human trafficking crimes, and dozens of restaurants across the state have already implemented this tool.
Susan Peters with Unbound, an international anti-human trafficking organization, says it’s especially important to recognize all forms of human trafficking.
She says “human trafficking encompasses sex trafficking, labor trafficking, even organ trafficking, forced marriages and servitude.”
The TRA launched the free human trafficking materials on restaurantsrespond-freedom.com.
According to the website, victims often use restrooms for privacy and solace from their captor.
Human Trafficking Investigator Joseph Scaramucci says restaurants are a great place to start in combating human trafficking efforts across Texas because “the more people that get educated, the more people that are the eyes and ears for law enforcement and I think the better off we are.”
Scaramucci says all tips are investigated thoroughly and it’s best to go ahead and speak up about any suspicions.
To report a human trafficking incident, you can call 1-888-373-7888. The toll-free number is available 24/7.
