SAFE HARBOUR PUTNAM COUNTY LAUNCHES ANTI-HUMAN TRAFFICKING APP

January is Human Trafficking Prevention Month

 Safe Harbour, Putnam County’s Anti-Human Trafficking program today announced the launch of its mobile app, Safe Harbour Putnam County. The free app is available at the

App Store for iOS/iPhone/iPad and Google Play Store for Android devices.

“Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery where victims are sold for sex or labor. It exists everywhere, and that includes Putnam County,” said Michael J. Piazza, Jr. commissioner of the Departments of Mental Health, Social Services and Youth Bureau. “This app not only helps us educate the community about trafficking and what to look for but provides information to at-risk youth and youth being trafficked about where they can go for help.”

The Safe Harbour App is designed for easy use and includes:

• In-depth definitions of trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC)

• Indicators to assess a youth’s risk of trafficking

• Tips on how to help if a youth is a victim of trafficking; and

• Resources and programs in Putnam County that are available to trafficked youth and those at risk of trafficking

It is estimated that 300,000 domestic youth are at risk for commercial sexual exploitation and that 100,000 children are the victims of sex trafficking every year. The average age of youth being forced into the commercial sex trade is 12-14 years old. All youth is at risk for trafficking, regardless of socio-economic class, race, and gender. Runaway and homeless youth, youth who have been in foster care, and LGBTQ youth are at higher risk.

Warning signs of human trafficking can include: A history of multiple runaways or homelessness, frequent absences from school, unexplained changes in lifestyle such as excessive amounts of cash or mitems that a youth cannot reasonably afford, a controlling relationship with an older partner or adult, signs of physical abuse, or a lack of documentation.

Safe Harbour, a program of the Putnam County Department of Social Services, is a strength-based program that provides supports and services to trafficked youth and those at risk of being trafficked. For more information on how you can help prevent human trafficking contact Safe Harbour at (845) 808-1500 or call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.