Polaris human trafficking advocates are worried the coronavirus pandemic will make it harder for victims to escape sex trafficking.
Advocates for Polaris, a nonprofit organization that runs the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline, told KXAN that the coronavirus outbreak could cause some people to be more vulnerable to human trafficking among other concerns.
Living in unstable conditions, substance abuse and the impacts on the economy could cause some individuals to be more susceptible and vulnerable to human and labor trafficking, according to KXAN.
Polaris also told KXAN that all resources for victims aren't currently open due to the pandemic. Polaris said its shelters aren't able to allow clients in at this time and transportation is becoming difficult.
The U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline is operating during the pandemic with call takers working from their homes. SAFE, a nonprofit in Austin is also still offering services for victims of sex trafficking, according to KXAN.
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