Youth Human Trafficking Survivor Support Services

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Every month, 900 individuals
are human trafficked in Nebraska.

As a community, we can work together to end human trafficking and abuse—and ensure that the road to Omaha is filled with promise, not exploitation. Through Youth Emergency Services, Youth Human Trafficking Survivor Support Services (YHTSSS) is a resource for educating the community on human trafficking and helping to identify and support survivors of human trafficking, domestic violence, and abuse in the Omaha metro area.

Together, we are providing survivors ages 16-25 with:

  • Food, clothing, and toiletries

  • Crisis counseling and emotional support

  • Emergency or transitional housing support

  • Education and employment support

  • Transportation

  • Medical referrals

  • Immigration and legal service referrals

  • Case management

  • Wellness programs

If you or someone you know needs help,
call 911 or the National Trafficking Hotline.

  • If person is 18 years or younger, don’t hesitate!
    Call Child Protective Services at 800.652.1999.

  • To connect a potential survivor with services and support,
    please call 402.578.SAFE.

  • To learn more about services available to survivors
    please call Survivor Support Services at 402.345.5187.

What are the possible indicators of trafficking?

Recognizing key indicators of human trafficking is the first step in identifying those who endure abuse and can help save a life. Here are some common indicators:

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  • Disconnected from friends, family, school/community/spiritual organizations

  • Lack of school attendance

  • Sudden or drastic behavior or personality changes

  • Increased/developmentally inappropriate sexualized behaviors

  • Signs of abuse: unexplained injuries, disoriented, fearful, weight loss

  • Loss of independence or autonomy

  • Poor or unstable living conditions

  • Lack or personal possessions

Note: Not all indicators listed above are present in every human trafficking situation, and the presence or absence of any of the indicators is not necessarily proof of human trafficking.

Is someone I know at risk?

Community Risk Factors

  • Lack of:

    - Resources
    - Knowledge of trafficking

  • “Underfunded”

    - Schools
    - Neighborhoods
    - Communities

Relationship Risk Factors

  • Family Conflict

  • Lack of:

    - Supportive adult
    - Supervision
    - Financial stability

  • System Involvement

    - Delinquency
    - CPS

  • Any History of Abuse

  • Witnessing or Surviving Domestic Violence

Individual Risk Factors

  • Substance Misuse

  • Homeless or unstable housing

  • In Foster Care

  • Developmental Delays

  • LGTBQIA+

  • Immigration Status

  • Member of any marginalized group

Listen and try to understand.

  • Believe the information that is being shared with you; try to build trust and not determine facts.

  • Be patient and understand that people who have experienced trauma are not always able to share all that has happened to them all at once.

  • Understand that behavior is an expression of need; help to identify the need and do not be quick label, judge, diagnose or be punitive.

  • Ensure that emergent needs are responded to by professionals who are able to help; people cannot share their story when needs for safety, food, housing, and security are not addressed.

  • If you or someone you know needs help or is in a dangerous, please call the National Domestic Violence Hotline or the National Human Trafficking Hotline.