WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING?
Trafficking occurs in every part of the world, including the United States.
Trafficking can be hidden in plain sight and those who are being trafficked often appear as if what they are doing is their choice.
Trafficking can be hidden in plain sight and those who are being trafficked often appear as if what they are doing is their choice.
There are physical, emotional, behavioral & social indicators that someone may be the victim of trafficking.
Victims of human trafficking often do not self-identify as a victim or disclose abuse when asked by a loved one.
Victims of human trafficking often do not self-identify as a victim or disclose abuse when asked by a loved one.
EVERY 30 SECONDS A CHILD IS SOLD INTO THE SEX TRADE
PHYSICAL SIGNS:
- Evidence of Physical Violence
- Territorial Markings
- Unique Appearance
Evidence of Physical Violence:
Starvation & rape are commonly used by perpetrators to demonstrate control & break down their victims (i.e. burn marks, bruising, cuts, signs of restraint & torture, broken bones, concussions, & STDs ).
Starvation & rape are commonly used by perpetrators to demonstrate control & break down their victims (i.e. burn marks, bruising, cuts, signs of restraint & torture, broken bones, concussions, & STDs ).
Territorial Markings:
If you see 2 or more individuals with the same distinct tattoo in the same location on their bodies, they may be victims of trafficking .
If you see 2 or more individuals with the same distinct tattoo in the same location on their bodies, they may be victims of trafficking .
Unique Appearance:
Homeless youth with new clothes & electronics, malnutrition, unkempt hair, body odor, poor hygiene accompanied by someone well-groomed and/or older may be a sign of trafficking. Other indicators may include:
Homeless youth with new clothes & electronics, malnutrition, unkempt hair, body odor, poor hygiene accompanied by someone well-groomed and/or older may be a sign of trafficking. Other indicators may include:
- Children dressed inappropriately for their age
- Overcrowded & unsuitable living conditions
- Frequent male visitors
- Coaching of a young girl or boy on greeting/touching
- Large amounts of cash
- False IDs
- Multiple cell phones
- Hotel keys or receipts
- Sexual paraphernalia
- Slips of paper with dollar amounts & contact info
* Information provided by Operation Underground Railroad
EMOTIONAL SIGNS:
- Emotional Distress
- Physical Signs of Emotional Distress
Emotional Distress:
Depression, fear, hopelessness, helplessness, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, panic attacks, & suicidal thoughts.
Depression, fear, hopelessness, helplessness, post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety, panic attacks, & suicidal thoughts.
Physical Signs of Emotional Distress:
Downcast eyes, lack of expression, poor posture, avoiding eye contact, & easily startled . Other indicators may include:
Downcast eyes, lack of expression, poor posture, avoiding eye contact, & easily startled . Other indicators may include:
- Looking to others for answers or allows others to speak for them
- Unfounded fear & paranoia or resistance to law enforcement, social workers, medical personnel or other professionals
* Information provided by Operation Underground Railroad
BEHAVIORAL/SOCIAL SIGNS:
- New Behaviors
- New Social Patterns
New Behaviors:
Bragging about new clothes, toys, devices, or older boyfriends, change in language/new slang expressions or inappropriate words. Other indicators may include:
Bragging about new clothes, toys, devices, or older boyfriends, change in language/new slang expressions or inappropriate words. Other indicators may include:
- Increased sexualized behavior
- It is common for victims to appear disoriented & confused & lose their ability to gauge time
- If trafficked within the home by a relative, they may be unusually tired, have a sudden change in grades, mood & hobbies, &/or spend excessive time with an older teen or adult dressing & acting to please them
Social Indicators:
- Provocative pictures posted on social media
- References of online classified ads or escort websites
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”Work” long/irregular hours
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Stops attending school consistently
- Becomes unreliable, dishonest, socially isolated, &/or withdrawn from family & friends
- Gang affiliation, drug addiction, & petty theft
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Uses seemingly rehearsed lines, especially with law enforcement
- Victims are often accompanied by a dominating & controlling individual who appears to be older
* Information provided by Operation Underground Railroad
Sex Trafficking is the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world.
Learn more about how to identify potential perpetrators & victims so we can disrupt & dismantle this industry together.
Learn more about how to identify potential perpetrators & victims so we can disrupt & dismantle this industry together.
a complimentary 60 minute course provided by
* Video provided by Operation Underground Railroad
There are over 2 million children enslaved worldwide in sex trafficking.