FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
You can reach us at info@dockellisfoundation.com if you cannot find an answer to your question.
The Dock Ellis Foundation's Impact and Outreach:
- What strategies does the Dock Ellis Foundation employ to ensure the safety and empowerment of marginalized individuals?
The foundation deploys a combination of grassroots advocacy, educational programs, and collaborative efforts with law enforcement to elevate the safety and empowerment of marginalized groups. - How does the Dock Ellis Foundation aid in the recovery of missing persons within minority communities?
They utilize a network of community informants, social media campaigns, and partnerships to amplify their search efforts, alongside providing support to the affected families. - In what ways is the Dock Ellis Foundation involved in the fight against human trafficking and domestic violence?
Through awareness campaigns, victim support services, and advocacy for stronger legislative measures, the foundation actively combats these pervasive issues. - Can community members get involved with the Dock Ellis Foundation, and if so, how?
Yes, community engagement is encouraged via volunteer opportunities, fundraising events, and educational workshops. - What educational resources does the Dock Ellis Foundation offer to prevent exploitation and violence in communities?
The foundation provides seminars, webinars, and resource guides focused on self-defense, legal rights, and recognizing the signs of abuse and trafficking.
WHAT IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING?
Human trafficking occurs when someone is compelled into service. Individuals may be compelled through force, fraud, coercion, or because of their age. Traffickers often target individuals based on vulnerabilities (e.g., age, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, culture, immigration status, housing instability); however, anyone can become a victim of human trafficking.
WHY ARE ETHNIC MINORITIES AND INDIGENOUS PEOPLES MORE AT RISK OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING?
Human trafficking primarily affects the most vulnerable members of society. This includes the racial, ethnic, gender, and/or social groups most impacted by discrimination, inequity, and inequality in a given community. Human traffickers identify and exploit individuals in positions of desperation or isolation, taking advantage of circumstances such as poverty. Ethnic minorities are disproportionately affected by many of these risk factors, increasing their vulnerability to being trafficked.
RACE AND HUMAN TRAFFICKING CASE STUDY 2: BLACK FEMALES IN THE U.S.
To better understand the high rates of sex trafficking among Black women and girls, research has indicated the continued sexualization of Black women and girls’ bodies which has played out since slavery. The myths around Black women and girls’ hypersexuality cannot be ignored when researching sex trafficking. Furthermore, the continued treatment of Black girls as older than their age must be explored
When looking at the data surrounding the prevalent rates of domestic sex trafficking of Black girls. In addition, the intersecting factors like low socioeconomic status, child welfare involvement, detachment from education, criminal justice involvement, and history of physical/sexual abuse must be addressed. These factors contribute to the increased vulnerability of sex trafficking. Compared to their racial counterparts, Black women and girls suffer higher rates of these combined factors.
When looking at the data surrounding the prevalent rates of domestic sex trafficking of Black girls. In addition, the intersecting factors like low socioeconomic status, child welfare involvement, detachment from education, criminal justice involvement, and history of physical/sexual abuse must be addressed. These factors contribute to the increased vulnerability of sex trafficking. Compared to their racial counterparts, Black women and girls suffer higher rates of these combined factors.
IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING THE SAME AS SMUGGLING?
Human trafficking and smuggling are not the same. Human trafficking is exploitation-based and does not require movement from one place to another. An individual can live and be trafficked in the same neighborhood. Smuggling refers to illegally transporting or moving an individual transnationally.
IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING THE SAME THING AS SEX TRAFFICKING?
Sex trafficking is one form of human trafficking. There are many forms of human trafficking that can include sex trafficking, labor trafficking (including both forced labor and domestic servitude), organ trafficking, forced marriage, and exploitation of children for labor, sex, and warfare. Using the term sex trafficking when we are talking about human trafficking makes victims of other forms of trafficking invisible.
HOW DO TRAFFICKERS LURE THEIR VICTIMS?
There are 3 main ways women and girls are trafficked:
Many pimps often use a “lover-boy” technique to recruit girls from middle and high schools. A lover-boy will present himself as a boyfriend and woo the girl with gifts, promises of fulfilled dreams, protection, adventure – whatever she perceives she is lacking. Traffickers use social media sites to recruit teenagers. After securing her love and loyalty, he will force her into prostitution.
- They are sold by a family member
- They are tricked
- They are kidnapped
Many pimps often use a “lover-boy” technique to recruit girls from middle and high schools. A lover-boy will present himself as a boyfriend and woo the girl with gifts, promises of fulfilled dreams, protection, adventure – whatever she perceives she is lacking. Traffickers use social media sites to recruit teenagers. After securing her love and loyalty, he will force her into prostitution.
WHY DON'T VICTIMS ESCAPE WHEN THEY HAVE THE OPPORTUNITY?
Traffickers and pimps use physical, emotional and psychological abuse to coerce young women and girls into a life of sex trafficking. Traffickers are master manipulators and employ tactics to create trauma bonds with victims. Traffickers often use the threat of violence against victims or victim’s loved ones to secure their submission.
HOW CAN I IDENTIFY A TRAFFICKER?
Pimps/traffickers often exhibit the following behaviors or characteristics:
- Jealous, controlling and violent
- Significantly older than female companions
- Promise things that seem too good to be true
- Encourage victims to engage in illegal activities to achieve their goals and dreams
- Buys expensive gifts or owns expensive items
- Is vague about his/her profession
- Pushy or demanding about sex
- Encourages inappropriate sexual behavior
- Makes the victim feel responsible for his/her financial stability
HOW CAN I HELP FIGHT HUMAN TRAFFICKING?
Every victimized and vulnerable person deserves to be surrounded by an alert community, trained professionals, strong laws and policies, and shelter and service options.
Educate Yourself
In order to fight injustice, you must understand it. There is a great deal of information available for you to learn more about human trafficking. Begin researching the topic. With a working knowledge on the subject, you will be equipped to raise awareness and make a lasting difference.
Share Your Knowledge
Combatting injustice is not a one-man fight. It requires a team effort. No one can win this fight on their own. Tell others about what you know, and together we can take action to be the change we want to see in our world.
Educate Yourself
In order to fight injustice, you must understand it. There is a great deal of information available for you to learn more about human trafficking. Begin researching the topic. With a working knowledge on the subject, you will be equipped to raise awareness and make a lasting difference.
Share Your Knowledge
Combatting injustice is not a one-man fight. It requires a team effort. No one can win this fight on their own. Tell others about what you know, and together we can take action to be the change we want to see in our world.
MISSING PERSON
WHAT IS A MISSING PERSON
A missing person is a person who has disappeared and whose status as alive or dead cannot be confirmed as their location and condition are unknown. A person may go missing through a voluntary disappearance, or else due to an accident, crime, death in a location where they cannot be found.
HOW CAN I FILE A MISSING PERSON REPORT?
You can go to any station near where the missing person resides or make a telephonic report by calling the local non-emergency telephone number of the Area station in the jurisdiction in which the missing person is a resident. Be prepared to provide information on the missing person, including birth date or age, physical descriptions, and most importantly, any medical information.
Police will also need to know the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and the last location where the missing person had been seen or was known to be. Also provide any known associates and telephone numbers of persons who know the missing person. Other helpful information that may be provided: cell phone numbers, e-mail addresses, or social network information.
When an adult person has been reported missing to police, he or she is entered into a nationwide database; this will assist other law enforcement agencies in finding the missing person.
Police will also need to know the circumstances surrounding the disappearance and the last location where the missing person had been seen or was known to be. Also provide any known associates and telephone numbers of persons who know the missing person. Other helpful information that may be provided: cell phone numbers, e-mail addresses, or social network information.
When an adult person has been reported missing to police, he or she is entered into a nationwide database; this will assist other law enforcement agencies in finding the missing person.
AMBER ALERT FOR MISSING CHILD
It depends if the case meets the criteria created by the Law Enforcement department in your area. If the missing person meets the requirements, the Missing Persons Unit will initiate an AMBER alert on a case-by-case basis.
- It has been confirmed that an abduction has occurred, or the child has been taken by anybody including, but not limited to, parents and/or guardians.
- The victim is 17 years of age or younger, or of proven mental or physical disability.
- There is a reason to believe the victim is in imminent danger of serious bodily injury or death.
- There is information available that, if disseminated to the general public, could assist in the safe recovery of the victim.
HOW CAN THE DOCK ELLIS FOUNDATION HELP?
The Dock Ellis Foundation will verify the police report and make contact with the detective handling your missing person's case. We will verify the information and photos and case details are posted by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children.
We will help you get an Amber Alert
AMBER Alert is an urgent bulletin system for the most serious child-abduction cases.
The Dock Ellis Foundation will request images to create a missing persons flyer for the missing individual. Will then highlight your loved ones on our social media pages. This information will also be released on our website. The team will meet with the individual requesting assistance for a case evaluation plan and gain information for an advanced background check.
Our goal is to provide solid assistance to the families whose loved ones have gone missing, and they are forced to navigate through the system during one of the most tragic times in their lives and to provide a voice for the unidentified in an effort to return them to their loved ones.
While we recognize that nothing can compare to sharing your stories with those who understand you the most, we would still like to provide any support that we can.
We will help you get an Amber Alert
AMBER Alert is an urgent bulletin system for the most serious child-abduction cases.
The Dock Ellis Foundation will request images to create a missing persons flyer for the missing individual. Will then highlight your loved ones on our social media pages. This information will also be released on our website. The team will meet with the individual requesting assistance for a case evaluation plan and gain information for an advanced background check.
Our goal is to provide solid assistance to the families whose loved ones have gone missing, and they are forced to navigate through the system during one of the most tragic times in their lives and to provide a voice for the unidentified in an effort to return them to their loved ones.
While we recognize that nothing can compare to sharing your stories with those who understand you the most, we would still like to provide any support that we can.
HOW TO GET ASSISTANCE FROM THE DOCK ELLIS FOUNDATION.
To begin the process please complete the Missing person application form under missing persons.
Once your form is submitted you will receive an email confirming acknowledgement of your request. The Dock Ellis Foundation team will contact you immediately to begin the next phase. In the initial phase we will meet to familiarize ourselves with the research and continue to inform others for updates.
Once your form is submitted you will receive an email confirming acknowledgement of your request. The Dock Ellis Foundation team will contact you immediately to begin the next phase. In the initial phase we will meet to familiarize ourselves with the research and continue to inform others for updates.
SEARCHING FOR A MISSING LOVED ONE
Here are a list of free resources and easily accessible reporting centers for family and loved ones who are searching for a missing loved one.
When someone “goes missing” it does not necessarily mean a crime has been committed. Until a law enforcement investigation is conducted, it may not be clear if an individual is in danger. This is why it’s critical for law enforcement to take a report on every missing person.
It’s also important to consider if a disappearance could be voluntary. Disconnecting from family, friends and community is a dramatic and life-changing decision and does not happen without significant reasons, which could include preventing abuse to the individual or immediate family members.
Missing ChildWhen a child under 18 years old disappears, dial 911 or contact tribal law enforcement immediately. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST offers many resources to help families when a child goes missing.
When someone “goes missing” it does not necessarily mean a crime has been committed. Until a law enforcement investigation is conducted, it may not be clear if an individual is in danger. This is why it’s critical for law enforcement to take a report on every missing person.
It’s also important to consider if a disappearance could be voluntary. Disconnecting from family, friends and community is a dramatic and life-changing decision and does not happen without significant reasons, which could include preventing abuse to the individual or immediate family members.
Missing ChildWhen a child under 18 years old disappears, dial 911 or contact tribal law enforcement immediately. The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children at 1-800-THE-LOST offers many resources to help families when a child goes missing.
- AMBER Alert in Indian Country provides integrated, one-stop access to child protection resources for families, Tribal law enforcement and public safety professionals. The site also includes specific resources and links on missing children for parents and community members.
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children is the central reporting center for missing children in the U.S.
- National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's List of Missing Child Clearinghouses provides contact information for each state’s missing child clearinghouse and resources to help with missing child cases.
- Missing-Child Emergency-Response Quick Reference Guide for Families Checklist is a checklist for families to use during an emergency response to a report of a missing or abducted child from the U.S. Dept. of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention and the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.
- National Runaway Safeline provides 24-hour services to youth and teens and information for concerned adults on youth-related issues.
- When Your Child Is Missing is a guide for families written by parents who experienced firsthand the trauma of a missing child, from the U.S. Dept. of Justice, Office of Juvenile Justice and Delinquency Prevention.
- When a Loved One Goes Missing: Resources for Families of Missing American Indian and Alaska Native Adults is a guide from Operation Lady Justice that provides information and resources to assist family members with the search for a missing adult loved one. This guide offers steps to take while searching for a loved one, suggestions about how to cope with trauma, and a list of resources.
- MMIW Toolkit for Families and Communities outlines steps to take when a Native woman goes missing, from the National Indigenous Women’s Resource Center.
- The Indian Health Service center locator allows you to search for IHS hospitals, behavioral centers and general health clinics, which you can contact to see if a loved one may have been seen there. Keep in mind, a patient can indicate they don’t want information shared and some institutions may prohibit giving out patient information to anyone.
- The National Missing and Unidentified Persons System (NamUs) is a free national information clearinghouse and resource center to report missing and unidentified persons cases. NamUs allows family members of missing persons to enter and search case information, and connects families with criminal justice professionals to assist in the search for their missing loved ones. Contact NamUs at 833-872-5176 or NamUs@usdoj.gov, or contact a regional support specialist.
- The FBI’s Violent Criminal Apprehension Program tracks violent crime data including information about missing and unidentified people.
- List of state medical examiners and coroners organizations throughout the United States from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.
ENGAGING WITH LAW ENFORCEMENT
Law enforcement agencies will differ from Tribe to Tribe and sometimes multiple agencies will be involved. This might include Tribal law enforcement, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the FBI, local city/county police, and, in Alaska, the village public safety officer and state trooper — or a combination of these agencies. Based on circumstances, it may be helpful to notify Tribal law enforcement in the home community of the missing individual.
- Tips concerning a missing indigenous person or homicide in Indian Country can be submitted to the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Missing & Murdered Unit via email or to the tip line at 833-560-2065. The tip line is confidential, toll free and available 24/7.
- The TIP 411 program allows you to send anonymous tips to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. To send a tip to the Missing & Murdered Unit, text “BIAMMU” and your tip to 847411.
- The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Missing Person File Fact Sheet from Operation Lady Justice explains the Missing Person File, which draws data from over 18,000 federal, state, local, Tribal and territorial criminal justice agencies from all 50 states, U.S. territories and Canada.
- The Comparing the NamUs and NCIC Databases Fact Sheet from Operation Lady Justice explains the differences between the NamUs and NCIC databases in terms of accessibility, information and cases.
- The FBI provides resources and information for crime victims, including details about help for crime victims.
FINDING FINANCIAL & LEGAL ASSISTANCE
Law enforcement agencies will differ sometimes multiple agencies will be involved. This might include Tribal law enforcement, the Bureau of Indian Affairs, the FBI, local city/county police, and in Alaska the village public safety officer and state trooper — or a combination of these agencies. Based on circumstances, it may be helpful to notify Tribal law enforcement in the home community of the missing individual.
- Tips concerning a missing indigenous person or homicide in Indian Country can be submitted to the Bureau of Indian Affairs’ Missing & Murdered Unit via email or to the tip line at 833-560-2065. The tip line is confidential, toll free and available 24/7.
- The TIP 411 program allows you to send anonymous tips to the Bureau of Indian Affairs. To send a tip to the Missing & Murdered Unit, text “BIAMMU” and your tip to 847411.
- The National Crime Information Center (NCIC) Missing Person File Fact Sheet from Operation Lady Justice explains the Missing Person File, which draws data from over 18,000 federal, state, local, Tribal and territorial criminal justice agencies from all 50 states, U.S. territories
- All states receive federal funding to help support local victim assistance and compensation programs. There are also nongovernmental organizations that provide resources and services to crime victims.
- The Directory of Crime Victim Services is a searchable tool with information about available victim services throughout the country, maintained by the U.S. Dept. of Justice, Office for Victims of Crime. OVC also provides information about victim assistance and compensation programs available across the U.S.
- The National Association of Crime Victims Compensation Boards provides links to the state crime victim compensation programs. You can find specific information about each program's benefits, requirements and procedures by clicking on the links.
- Local legal aid services may be able to assist families with navigating the financial affairs and estate of a missing person. Search LawHelp.org for legal aid programs by state.
- The National Crime Victim Bar Association provides information for crime victims on pursuing justice through civil lawsuits, including an attorney referral service.