Take 5
Human Trafficking: See Something, Say Something
With Jennifer Ledesma
TRT: 3m 22s
Video Transcription

Jennifer Ledesma Directly addresses camera:  RealtorŪ safety is of the utmost concern for those of us in the field. But what about the safety of others, specifically human trafficking victims? I'm Jennifer Ledesma, managing broker of Berkshire Hathaway Homeservices Beach Properties of Florida, located in Panama City Beach.
Let's take 5 minutes to discover how real estate agents can be the eyes and ears of the community and spot dangerous situations. Realtors talk a lot about realtors safety. We discuss how to trust our instincts when something feels wrong.
Have you ever walked into a property and thought something was wrong? Did you ever think about what you should or could do? We are in a unique position to look for signs of human trafficking in our communities. Just by the sheer number of homes we enter every day.
Did you know Florida ranks as the third highest state for human trafficking? The three most common types of human trafficking are sexual trafficking, forced labor and debt bondage. And these are all happening in neighborhoods like the ones you serve.
Although you probably didn't get your real estate license so you could help stop human trafficking by knowing the signs, you might be able to change someone's life. So what should realtors look for? Here are the most common things to pay attention to.
First, look for unusually high numbers of people coming in and out of the property while you're showing it or out of other properties in the neighborhood. Another sign is the frequent appearance of school age children who are not in school.
This is a red flag when tenants or guests of a home or property lack knowledge of the neighborhood or the area, or are unusually hesitant or reserved and avoid eye contact is another telltale sign of possible human trafficking.
Have you ever made a listing presentation and a family member or guest is prohibited to speak or ask questions? Do you notice family members offering well-rehearsed or inconsistent stories or vague answers to your questions? There is a hierarchy in human trafficking homes, so look for family members who seem to stand out from the rest by their dress, hygiene or behavior. For example, maybe one family member does not get the same privileges as others or appears particularly aloof. Do you see locks or evidence of previous locks on the interior doors or windows, specifically locks that would lock someone in a room rather than lock others out of the room?

Also, are certain parts of the home left locked or kept private? Report any situation where you see proof of child neglect or physical abuse. Listen to your instincts and always air on the side of caution. If you spot what you think is an unsafe situation, report it to the Human Trafficking Hotline at (888) 373-7888.
For more training on this subject, go to the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking. Realtors have a unique opportunity to learn how to recognize, report and hopefully prevent human trafficking, where we live, work and play.