Connecticut Coalition Against Human Trafficking

The Connecticut Coalition Against Trafficking (CTCAT)
      Raising awareness of human trafficking
   in the State of Connecticut and coordinating
services that support victims.


HUMAN TRAFFICKING 
Human trafficking is a form of modern day slavery. Traffickers target people who are vulnerable in some way, promising them a better life, but then forcing them to live and work in unfair, inhumane, or abusive conditions. Traffickers use force, fraud, or coercion in order to benefit financially from selling another person. Sex trafficking involves manipulating victims into the commercial sex industry. Labor trafficking involves forcing someone to work in any number of industries, such as in factories, restaurants, hotels or on farms, or as beggars, nannies or domestic servants. Force, fraud or coercion may include: false promises, intimidation, debt bondage, holding identity documents, withholding pay, manipulating an existing relationship, deprivation of basic necessities including medical treatment, threats regarding police or immigration, threats against family or friends, brandishing weapons, or being physically and/or sexually abusive. Law enforcement officials, service providers, and good Samaritans play an important role in helping to identify trafficking victims. Human trafficking is a crime under the U.S federal and Connecticut state laws. Under the trafficking victims protection act of 2000, certain benefits, such as immigration relief and social services, may be available to victims of this crime.

WHAT IS CTCAT? 
The Connecticut Coalition Against Trafficking is a coordinated anti-trafficking network in the State of Connecticut. Our aim is to increase awareness of the issue of human trafficking among law enforcement, professionals in a variety of industries, and the public at-large. Members include victim service providers, law enforcement personnel, activists, faith-based community members, educators, researchers, and state and local government officials. Through its members and partners, CTCAT offers specialized training on prevention, victim identification, and legal and social services available to victims in the state. We hope that by increasing exposure of the issue, more victims can be identified and assisted. Several CTCAT members provide direct comprehensive case management, legal services, and criminal justice advocacy to victims. We serve both labor and sex trafficking victims, foreign-born and domestic (US citizens and lawful residents), adults and minors, both male and female. 

CTCAT MEMBERSHIP OFFERS
¨ Information sharing among partner agencies and stakeholders in CT
¨ Training and technical assistance on human trafficking
¨ Public education and community outreach
¨ Access to an expansive referral network for trafficking victims services

CTCAT COMMITTEES INCLUDE
CTCAT combats trafficking through the three P's- Prevention, Protection, Prosecution 
¨ Prevention– training and community outreach
¨ Protection– assistance and support to victims
¨ Prosecution– advocating for legal reform
¨ Steering– coordinate coalition activities, increase membership & funding
If you are a victim of human trafficking and need immediate help or if you suspect a potential trafficking situation, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline. They are not a government entity, law enforcement or an immigration authority.
     
Call 1-888-3737-888

If you suspect that a child or person under the age of 18 years in the State of Connecticut is a potential victim of human trafficking and needs immediate help, call the Connecticut Department of Children and Families Hotline.
                                                                    
         Call 1-800-842-2288

For Connecticut victim service referrals or to inquire about CTCAT membership contact:

International Institute of Connecticut-Project Rescue
ProjRescue@iiconn.org
203-336-0141 ext. 35

Paul & Lisa Program
Shaleen@paulandlisa.org
203-457-0018