NSU Horizons Spring 2016

12 NSU HORIZONS in the world. The $36-billion human trafficking industry is linked to organized crime and terrorist organizations, too. The investigators point out that human trafficking is a much simpler business model than selling drugs. “We’re not just talking about sex trafficking, but labor trafficking, and indentured servitude,’’ said Carmen Pino, assistant special agent in charge, with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations in Miami, which also has partnered with CREATE. “It’s not just a 13-year-old runaway, but a foreign worker coming to America to help his family, or an au pair who thinks she’s going to be living the American dream and it then becomes a nightmare.” “(Law enforcement) didn’t know about human trafficking for a long time, and it is very traumatic for the victims,” said Arthur Corrieri, M.S., L.M.H.C., victim assistance specialist, with the Department of Homeland Security Investigations, who also said that the change in thinking is now more of a “victim-centered approach.” COMMUNITY AWARENESS NSU’s Multicultural Association for Pre-Health Students (M.A.P.S.) has taken on human trafficking aware- ness as one of its most important projects. In support of Human Trafficking Awareness Week in January, the group set up an information table in the Don Taft University Center at NSU’s Fort Lauderdale/Davie Campus. “Since we are future health professionals, we believe it’s a good idea that not only are we aware of this issue, but we are helping raise awareness of this topic,” said Kaisha Butz, an NSU senior majoring in biology, with aspirations of pursuing a medical degree in pediatrics. The issue is of special relevance to college students. “A lot of us are at the age where we could make choices and end up in one of the situations we are hearing about every day,” said Butz, 21, vice president of M.A.P.S. Jenna Knafo, the president of M.A.P.S., said a speakers’ event during the awareness week had a broader reach than the previous year. “Last year, when I was secretary, it was our first event that focused on human trafficking. We partnered with the Criminal Justice Club,” she said. This year, the group wanted to draw more of the community to the event, so they advertised the speakers’ event in local newspapers and on websites to help get the word out. “The more people who become aware of the problem, the more it will keep the industry from growing. For those of us who are pre-health, pre-dental, and pre-nursing, it’s extremely important we be able to recognize the signs so we know what the next steps are,” said Knafo, 21, a biology major and studio arts minor. The club’s devotion to the topic has also piqued her interest, and Knafo said she would like to do more on the issue of human trafficking when she becomes a medical professional. LAW RAISES AWARENESS A new Florida law went into effect January 1, 2016, that raises awareness of human trafficking by placing signs at adult entertainment establishments, rest areas, airports, massage services that aren’t owned by a regu- lated health-care profession, and emergency rooms. The law (HB 369) requires that the signs be “in a conspicuous location that is clearly visible.” Signs must be in English and Spanish and state: “If you or someone you know is being forced to engage in an activity and cannot leave—whether it is prostitution, housework, farm work, factory work, retail work, restaurant work, or any other activity, call 1-888-373-7888 (NHTRC hotline) or text INFO or HELP to 233-733.”