Learn the red flags and how to report them:

Signs And Symptoms Of Trafficking

• Evidence of being controlled, either physically or psychologically

• Few or no personal possessions

• Tattoo with a man's name or barcode, indicating victim is considered owned property

• Child being trafficked for sexual exploitation may be dressed in a sexualized manner or seem to be under the influence of drugs or alcohol

• Untreated chronic illnesses

• Large financial debt that the individual is unable to pay off

• Fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, or nervous/paranoid behavior, especially after mention of law enforcement

• Communication that seems scripted, or story revealing inconsistencies

• Child may appear to be malnourished and/or shows signs of physical or sexual abuse, such as bruises, scars, or cigarette burns

• Avoidance of eye contact

• Evasiveness during conversation; deference to someone who appears to be controlling victim

• Inability to provide details of departure location, destination, or flight information at airport

• Victim unable to move freely in public, or is being controlled, closely watched or followed

• A child brought to a salon for age-inappropriate beauty treatments (ex. waxing in pubic area)

• Reproductive health problems, including sexually transmitted diseases, urinary tract infections, pelvic pain and injuries from sexual assault or forced abortions

Root Causes of Trafficking

• Extreme Poverty

• Lack of Parental Care

• Government Corruption

• Economic and Social Instability

• Military Conflict

• Natural Disasters

• Weak Social Infrastructure

• Underfunded Child Protection Systems

• Racial and Gender Biases

• High Profitability for Traffickers

• Fear of Forced Marriage

Report Trafficking or Get Help

U.S. National Human Trafficking Resource Hotline 
https://humantraffickinghotline.org

Call:
1 (888) 373-7888

Text:
BeFree (23 3733)

Venues where victims may be found…

• Massage parlors

• Prostitution and escort services

• Pornography, stripping or exotic dancing venues

• In corrupt orphanages used to solicit donations from volunteers and tourists

• Internet or newspaper ads for sexual services

• Forced marriage arrangements

• Agricultural or ranch work

• Hotels or nail salons

• Restaurants, bars, or cantinas

• Domestic labor (cleaning, childcare, eldercare) in private homes

• Factories and sweatshops

• Door-to-door sales, begging or street peddling

Victims of Trafficking May…

• Develop general feelings of helplessness, shame, guilt, self-blame, and humiliation

• Suffer from shock and denial, or display symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder, phobias, panic attacks, anxiety, and depression

• Suffer from sleep or eating disorders

• Become addicted to drugs and/or alcohol due to coercion or voluntarily as a coping mechanism

• Become emotionally numb, detached, and disassociated from the physical and psychological trauma and display “flat affect”

• Experience “trauma bonding” with the trafficker, positively identifying with the perpetrator and believing that, despite repeated abuse, the trafficker is a loving boyfriend, spouse, or parent

Dig Depper

• 2022 Trafficking in Persons Report (USDS)

• Legislative Portal - Global Anti-Trafficking Law

• Identifying Victims of Human Trafficking (DHHS)

• Toolkit to Combat Trafficking in Persons (UN)

Protect children from being trafficked