Active Bystander Series: How to Spot Human Trafficking

What is human trafficking?

Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery. U.S. law defines human trafficking as the use of force, fraud or coercion to control another person for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts, labor or services against his/her will. For minors, it is considered human trafficking regardless of the presence of force, fraud or coercion.

Who are being trafficked?

Victims of human trafficking are often lured by false promises of stability, lucrative jobs, education or a loving relationship. Human trafficking can happen to anyone, regardless of the person’s background or gender. Some people are more vulnerable to trafficking than others such as recent migrants, individuals with a history of substance abuse or mental health concerns, those involved in the child welfare system, and/or those experiencing homelessness. Traffickers leverage these vulnerabilities to create dependency.

Who are the traffickers?

Although some traffickers may be strangers, many traffickers are known to the victim such as a romantic partner or family member. Traffickers use a variety of control tactics specifically physical and emotional abuse, sexual assault, confiscation of identification and money and isolation from friends and family.

How do you spot trafficking?

Key indicators of trafficking are:

• Does the person appear disconnected from family, friends, community organizations, or houses of worship?
• Has a child stopped attending school?
• Has the person had a sudden or dramatic change in behavior?
• Is a juvenile engaged in commercial sex acts?
• Is the person disoriented or confused, or showing signs of mental or physical abuse?
• Does the person have bruises in various stages of healing?
• Is the person fearful, timid, or submissive?
• Does the person show signs of having been denied food, water, sleep, or medical care?
• Is the person often in the company of someone to whom he or she defers? Or someone who seems to be in control of the situation, e.g., where they go or who they talk to?
• Does the person appear to be coached on what to say?
• Is the person living in unsuitable conditions?
• Does the person lack personal possessions and appear not to have a stable living situation?
• Does the person have freedom of movement? Can the person freely leave where they live? Are there unreasonable security measures?

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

*source www.dhs.gov

If you witness any of these signs or need help call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888, text HELP to BeFree (233733) or visit humantraffickinghotline.org