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A multi-part series on Human TraffickingPARENTS, Beware & BewareSocial Media Is Trying To Control Your Child!separate victims from those protecting them. They often seek out positions where they have contact or control with minors.3. Trust Development: Abusers gain trust through gifts, attention, sharing “secrets,” and other means. They train victims to keep the relationship secret. Once trust is achieved, the trafficker encourages the victim to meet or send a compromising picture, which is then used to extort the victim. Through this extortion a trafficker might threaten to release the picture to the victim’s family and friends if demands are not followed.4. Desensitization: Abusers start with harmless touch (like hugging or tickling) and escalate to more sexual contact. They may also show pornography or discuss sexual topics.5. Behavior: Abusers try to avoid raising suspicions by making their actions appear natural.6. For teens, recognizing grooming can be particularly challenging, especially if the abuser is closer in age. Online grooming often involves adults creating fake profiles and posing as children or teens to befriend and gain trust.7. Parents, be cautious and mindful about who your child interacts with online and encourage open communication about their online experiences. Be alert for signs of secrecy, undue influence, or personal boundary pushing when evaluating a child’s relationship with adults. However, remember that not everyone who is kind to your child has ill intentions, but it is essential to educate your child about risks and boundaries. Let them know they can come to you if anyone crosses a line.If you suspect grooming or have concerns about someone’s behavior, seek professional advice, or report it to proper authorities; call 911 or if it is not life- threatening call Non-Emergency SAPD atBy Lou Duggan“ T echnology... It has changed our lives,” said Jack Staton, former Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge. “It improves lives, but it can also destroy lives. When used by Human Traffickers, it is a dangerous and effective tool. It can be used to facilitate the recruitment, enticement, and enslavement of children and adults into sex and labortrafficking.”Parents, does your child have access toa computer or cell phone? Beware and be aware! Social media has become a significant tool allowing Traffickers to connect with potential victims, then recruit and control them. Traffickers often groom and control their victims through online computer and cell phone platforms. Potential victims are recruited through apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Craigslist, online dating sites, and cell phone chat rooms.Recruitment and GroomingGrooming is a tactic used by sexual abusers to gain access to potential victims, coerce them to agree to the abuse, and reduce the risk of being caught. It often follows a similar pattern, whether it occurs online or in-person. The following is an actual case of ‘grooming’ a young girl in the San Antonio area. To protect the victim’s identity, names and sources are not used.“My 12-year-old daughter was talking to someone on Instagram during the time I received trafficking education from a local foundation. I started talking to my daughter, asked her to see her social media(in which she handed over without asking questions) and discovered a woman and their conversation. The woman was visiting with my daughter about things happening at school and reminiscing about her own school days. She was trying to make my daughter feel like this was all a normal part of school life. Her social media profile said she was in her early thirties with kids and a husband. She was trying to befriend my daughter by talking about her kids and family and asking about us as well. She was trying to earn my daughter’s trust.”“I told my daughter about the training I had just attended and that I thought this person was trying to earn her trust and groom her. She messaged the woman and asked her not to message her again. A series of messages followed saying that I was just paranoid and that she valued my daughter’s friendship. My daughter was weirded out about things this woman was asking and quickly unfriended and blocked her. I am so thankful my daughter trusted me and understood what this woman was doing. I think helping to identify ‘am I being groomed’ or ‘is my kid being groomed’ is a necessity to battling social media vulnerability.”Signs of grooming1. Access: Abusers exploit vulnerabilities such as common interests between the trafficker and the victim. They observe potential victims through their social media presence. Posts suggesting low self-esteem, problems at home, or loneliness signal that a person may be easily victimized.2. Isolate: Abusers physically or emotionally210-207-7273.In summary, social media plays a significant role in facilitating human trafficking by providing a platform to connect with vulnerable individuals and manipulate them into dangerous situations.Special thanks to Meant to Soar Foundation, Goya Cares Foundation, Ransomed Life, Law Corner, ICE Homeland Security Investigations, Save the Children, Department of Homeland Security Blue Campaign, University of Texas School of Social Work, and Jack Staton of INS Consulting LLC. Contributions to this series were obtained from these organizations. In future articles prevention, protection, prosecution, and avenues for help will be featured. These articles may protect your child.Next Month: Traffickers Targeting School ChildrenAngie’s Table: Because I’m CulturedBy Angie BridgesIreceived the moniker “Cultured B” (for Bridges & the double entendre) from some friends many years ago after I would drag them to yet another restaurant that served food that was foreign to them and then being surprised that they loved it. The question would inevitably be “Angie how do you know about all these different foods?” My first reaction was, “Because I’m cultured!” and we would have a good laugh. Thanks to my parents and my wonderful teachers who encouraged my thirst for knowledge, I have always been extremely interested in diverse cultures and their people, customs, and cuisines.Something I’m often asked is whether I have a favorite culture and while I could never choose one as I find all of them pretty fascinating, I suppose I could say that I lean heavily towards the vast array ofthe Mediterranean cultures which include Spanish (my ethnicity), Turkish, Egyptian, Greek, Provencal, North Africa and the Levant to name a few.It is no secret that I love to throw a good dinner party as well and my favorite part is browsing through my cookbooks to decide what theme we’re going with. Our last dinner party was a Korean hot pot dinner, and we had a wonderful time. I encourage you all to explore other cuisines and if you ever want to chat about them, I am your girl. This month I’m sharing with you an easy to prepare and serve bread dipper that combines a lot of my favorite Mediterranean flavors. Hope you enjoy it as much as my guests and I do. Ciao for Now, AngieMediterranean Bread DipperYou’ll Need: 1⁄2 cup excellent quality olive oil, 1/3 cup grated parmesan cheese, 3cloves minced garlic, 1⁄4 cup chopped fresh basil, two tbs balsamic vinegar, pinch chili flakes (optional), 1⁄4 cup chopped green olives, 1⁄4 cup chopped kalamata olives, and soft French bread for dipping.Directions: In a shallow dish, combine all the ingredients and mix well. Let stand for about 15 minutes for flavors to meld. Dip bread in it and enjoy!Angie Bridges is ownerof Copa Wine Bar inStone Oak along withher husband, Jeff Bridges. Angie is also the founder of the Taste of the Northside Fiesta event and is the original Queen of the Vine.10www.heloteshighlights.comApril 2024