Oklahoma

The name Oklahoma comes from two Choctaw Indian words, okla, which means “people,” and humma, which means “red.” In 1889, Congress opened up 2 million acres for white settlement (it was previously open only to Native Americans who were forced to leave their homelands), and the first of a number of land runs began. Some of the state’s settlers were called “Sooners” because they had already staked their land claims before the land was officially opened for settlement. Oklahoma was admitted as the 46th state in 1907. Oklahoma’s capital is an easy one to remember–Oklahoma City. The state flower is the mistletoe, a favorite for kissing under during the winter holidays.

Human trafficking is a serious issue that affects people all around the world, including in Oklahoma. It is a form of modern slavery in which individuals are exploited for labor, sexual exploitation, or other purposes.

According to data from the National Human Trafficking Hotline, Oklahoma has consistently had relatively low numbers of human trafficking cases reported compared to other states in the United States. In 2020, the state ranked 45th in the country for the number of cases reported to the hotline, with a total of 16 cases.

Human trafficking can take many forms in Oklahoma, including forced labor, domestic servitude, and sexual exploitation. It often affects vulnerable populations, such as immigrants, children, and people who are homeless or in poverty.

If you suspect that someone you know may be a victim of human trafficking, there are steps you can take to help. You can report the situation to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or by text at 233733. You can also contact local law enforcement or a trusted organization that provides services to victims of human trafficking. It is important to remember that the safety of the victim should be the top priority and to handle the situation with care and sensitivity.