What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harboring or receipt of people through force, fraud or deception with the aim of exploiting them for profit.
Men, women, and children of all ages and from all backgrounds can become victims of this crime, which occurs in every region of the world, including North America.
Often, victims are transported using the highway systems. So, the PA Turnpike Commission joined forces with the Commonwealth of PA and the PA State Police to help combat this heinous crime.
How to spot and respond to a sign for help:
- The hand signal is a simple, one-handed gesture that a victim can use to silently indicate that they need help.
- Remember, safety first. Unless you can help safely, do not attempt to help a human trafficking victim directly. It could put you or the victim in greater harm.
- Dial 911 or the National 24-hour Human Trafficking Hotline at 888-373-7888.
- Dial *11 if you are on the PA Turnpike.
The PA Turnpike's Commitment to Human Trafficking Awareness
According to the National Human Trafficking hotline, Pennsylvania ranked ninth in the nation for most reported cases of human trafficking. In 2022, as part of our commitment to responsibility, the PA Turnpike created a comprehensive Human Trafficking Awareness Campaign to boost awareness and help save those who continue to be forced into labor or sexual exploitation.
To raise awareness and fight human trafficking, the Turnpike partnered with the Pennsylvania State Police and YWCA Greater Harrisburg to educate its employees and 500,000 daily customers by creating a marketing campaign to raise awareness to show the signs of human trafficking and what drivers can do to help bring victims home safely.
