Latest news with #SimplyReport
Yahoo
23-05-2025
- Yahoo
Human trafficking is everywhere. This new app makes reporting it quicker and easier
A new, first-of-its-kind app is now operating nationwide, empowering everyone to safely and anonymously report possible instances of human trafficking. This may involve either commercial, coerced sex or forced labor. Earlier this month, Safe House Project, Congressman Pat Harrigan (R-NC) and other advocates announced the national launch of Simply Report. The free mobile app allows downloaders to submit tips through its chat, which will provide guidance and share the information with the most appropriate law enforcement agency, if necessary. >>> STREAM ACTION NEWS JAX LIVE <<< [DOWNLOAD: Free Action News Jax app for alerts as news breaks] The actual number of human trafficking instances is hard to pin down. According to the Florida Department of Children and Families' annual report, however, it received 2,137 reports of human trafficking in the 2023-24 year. Nearly 83% involved children reportedly living with a parent or other caregiver. 148 of all the reports came out of Duval County. In addition to reporting resources, the app also offers 24/7 support services for survivors in need. 'Simply Report protects survivors' anonymity and safety by ensuring that no information is shared with law enforcement without the survivor's expressed consent. Simply Report is trauma-informed and survivor-led,' said Safe House Project Here is how you can download the app:Apple,Google Play You can also reach out to Florida law enforcement directly by calling the human trafficking hotline at 1-855-FLA-SAFE. [SIGN UP: Action News Jax Daily Headlines Newsletter] Click here to download the free Action News Jax news and weather apps, click here to download the Action News Jax Now app for your smart TV and click here to stream Action News Jax live.
Yahoo
09-05-2025
- Yahoo
Human trafficking is everywhere, especially here in GA. This new app will help you report it
Sex trafficking is a $10 billion industry, and it's happening everywhere. We've found a new app that is designed to make it easier to report traffickers to the police. Lala Appleberry said she eventually learned that her boyfriend - the man she trusted - was a trafficker. 'It started with hugging, touching, kissing, things like that. And it grew. It became more, the ask became more,' Appleberry said. 'I didn't realize it was boyfriend to trafficker. It was, 'This is my boyfriend and I'm going to help him' cause we live together and we're doing this together. I'm his Bonnie, he's my Clyde. He needs help, and he has helped me. Unfortunately, her story is very common. TRENDING STORIES: Pope Leo XIV: Who is the first American pope? Hall County teacher accused of having inappropriate relationship with middle schooler North Georgia paramedic accused of installing camera in ambulance office restroom 'This could be happening in your neighborhood and your bougie neighborhood in Milton, or Cobb County, or Johns Creek, or Peachtree City, or Buckhead, or Brookhaven. It is happening, it could be on your street, and you might not know,' said Titania Jordon, chief parent officer of Bark Technologies. Bark helps parents keep track of the online activity of their kids. Jordon was in Washington as details of Operation Burn Notice were revealed. The multi-agency undercover effort targeting sex trafficking nabbed 17 people in Henry County. 'There's a new app called Simply Report out. That helps to fight human trafficking. You know, unfortunately, the National Human Trafficking Hotline has left too many victims without help,' Jordon said. Simply Report helps users identify and report trafficking indicators to the authorities. 'It's going to empower those who are involved in trafficking, those victims and hopefully survivors, to be able to report without worrying that they're going to get arrested for being in this industry,' Jordon said. Here is how you can download the app: Apple, Google Play
Yahoo
31-01-2025
- Yahoo
Local survivor of labor trafficking speaks out
Every year, there are hundreds of thousands of victims of human trafficking in the U.S. That includes sex trafficking and labor trafficking. Channel 9′s Elsa Gillis spoke with Hope Lloyd, who spent years of her childhood in a labor trafficking nightmare. Now, she's speaking out to help others. RESOURCES: How to get help, how to help fight human trafficking 'Ultimately, I feel very grateful to be given a second chance,' Hope told Channel 9. Not unlike her name, Hope has managed to find the brighter side of life after living through a very dark chapter. 'Our trafficker targeted my mom in London. She met all the qualifications of the perfect target that traffickers looked for,' Hope said. 'She was an abused woman. She had two children, no family support, no community. She worked a couple jobs, some broken English, poor trying to support us.' Her trafficker helped Hope's mother escape an abusive marriage, then bought clothing and gifts for her and the girls, eventually offering to take Hope and her sister to Spain for an education and more support. 'So, I can't imagine her being in her early to mid-20s with two girls, abused and divorced at that point, and then you've never heard of trafficking. And you're a victim yourself of abuse – that sounds like a dream,' Hope said, adding that her mom thought her girls would be cared for. Hope has vivid, painful memories of when her mother left them with their trafficker full time. She was 8 years old. 'I was shocked that she wasn't there. I just remember crying,' Hope said. For 13 years, Hope said her trafficker physically abused her, her older biological sister, and younger adopted sister. She also forced them to work – no education, no friends and little connection with the outside world. 'We immediately became like house slaves. So, cleaning, cooking – she had animals,' Hope said. Kristi Wells, CEO and co-founder of the nonprofit Safe House Project, said places where you might encounter victims of labor trafficking include construction sites, nail salons, massage parlors, agriculture settings, and even mall kiosks. Safe House Project has free OnWatch Training to help spot trafficking and report it. Wells also told Channel 9 about a new reporting tool that could change the face of human trafficking. It's called Simply Report and Wells said it's an artificial intelligence-based program. You can find more information about the tool on Safe House Project's website. Wells emphasized that their team will never find anyone at fault for reporting suspicious activity. 'We just need people to pay attention and to speak up,' she said. (WATCH BELOW: 5 arrested after undercover human trafficking sting in Rowan County)
