This 5 Minute Guide is a quick snapshot of one particular type of human trafficking, basic information which can be read in about 5 minutes.  Do you have 5 minutes to educate yourself on human trafficking?

Human Trafficking of Maids

What does it look like?

People trafficked into domestic servitude, or held in slavery as maids, are often forced to work obscenely long hours (18-20 hour days), for little or no pay.   These (primarily) women and girls may cook and clean the house daily for their "family", as well as take care of the children, with no breaks and no days off.  Rape, beatings and sexual abuse are common.  Victims cannot leave because the trafficker has their immigration documents, they have a Visa which ties them to the trafficker, the trafficker is a family member, and a number of other reasons.

Who are the victims?

The victims are primarily women and young girls, many of whom are seeking educational or financial opportunities to work abroad.  In some cases, girls as young as 10 years old have been trafficked into domestic servitutde.   

Who are the traffickers?

Traffickers may be strangers to the victim, but they are often family members, friends of the family or members of the same ethnic comminuty.  There are been a number of cases of human trafficking by diplomats, which poses some particular challenges in combatting since many of them have "diplomatic immunity" to some laws.  However, the recent passage of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act takes some great steps to remedy this challenge.

What's an example of this kind of trafficking?

This story comes from the Break the Chain Campaign, a nonprofit which serves trafficked domestic workers. 

An American Ivy League professor, who specializes in women's issues and economic development, brought her Nepalese domestic worker to the US from India on a B-1 visa and paid her what she called “her Indian salary” which totaled $45 a month. The domestic worker usually worked from 8:00 am to 9:30 pm, 7 days a week, with no time off. A good Samaritan contacted the Campaign and a Campaign lawyer helped the Nepalese woman leave her situation and provided legal counsel. The two women have recently reached an out-of-court case settlement.

What can I do about it?

Be vigilant, and call the police if you suspect human trafficking happening near you.  Get involved with an organization like Break the Chain Campaign by donating your time and talent.  Support women's development programs in developing countries to make women around the world less vulnerable to huamn trafficking.