Human Trafficking is a crime operating in plain sight which thrives on public ignorance. Knowledge is Power. Power brings Freedom.
Human Trafficking is a booming global criminal phenomenon with millions of victims bought and sold into sexual and hard labor slavery. Often terrified, abused, trapped, and without resources to escape their captors, these victimized women, men, and children pass us by in public like ghosts. Sometimes, their only hope for freedom is someone, you, recognizing the tell-tale signs of exploitation and abuse and reaching out to provide them help.
Their best bet for freedom is you calling local law enforcement or the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888 to report your suspicions based on your observations.
We here at Dress For Freedom have collected three professionally created lists of trafficking signs to help you be informed.
All of these lists are used to help teach certain career sectors with high exposure to victims how to spot those needing rescue. Even though these sectors are specific, the signs all are accurate and can apply to any potential victim.
Visiting Hotels and Motels
The Polaris Project is widely known in the fight against human sex trafficking and hard labor trafficking. They put together a handy graphic about what to look for as signs of exploitation of fellow guests or housekeeping when you're staying at a hotel or motel:
Do You Interact with Children or Teenagers?
The U.S. Department of Education has published a guide for schools and educators about recognizing and safely helping youth who are human trafficking victims. Their list of signs to look out for applies to adult victims as well.
an inability to attend school on a regular basis and/or unexplained absences
frequently running away from home
references made to frequent travel to other cities
bruises or other signs of physical trauma, withdrawn behavior, depression, anxiety, or fear
lack of control over a personal schedule and/or identification or travel documents
hunger, malnourishment, or inappropriate dress (based on weather conditions or surroundings)
signs of drug addiction
coached or rehearsed responses to questions
a sudden change in attire, behavior, relationships, or material possessions (e.g., expensive items)
uncharacteristic promiscuity and/or references to sexual situations or terminology beyond age-specific norms
a “boyfriend” or “girlfriend” who is noticeably older and/or controlling
an attempt to conceal scars, tattoos, or bruises
a sudden change in attention to personal hygiene
tattoos (a form of branding) displaying the name or moniker of a trafficker, such as “daddy”
hyperarousal or symptoms of anger, panic, phobia, irritability, hyperactivity, frequent crying, temper tantrums, regressive behavior, and/or clinging behavior
hypoarousal or symptoms of daydreaming, inability to bond with others, inattention, forgetfulness, and/or shyness
being unpaid, paid very little, or paid only through tip
being employed but not having a school-authorized work permit
being employed and having a work permit but clearly working outside the permitted hours for students
owing a large debt and being unable to pay it off
not being allowed breaks at work or being subjected to excessively long work hours
being overly concerned with pleasing an employer and/or deferring personal or educational decisions to a boss
not being in control of his or her own money
living with an employer or having an employer listed as a student’s caregiver
a desire to quit a job but not being allowed to do so
At the Doctors Office
Operation Underground Railroad created a guide for healthcare professionals to reference as signs that point to a patient being a victim of human trafficking. Their list is as such:
Early sexual initiation
Physical or sexual abuse
Pregnancy at a young age
Abortion at a young age
Trauma to the genitalia
Sexually transmitted infections
Urinary tract infections
High number of sexual partners
Highly sexualized dress or behavior
Inappropriate dress for the weather or situation
Running away from home or foster care
Truancy
Alcohol or drug use
Suspicious tattoos or branding
Angry and aggressive behavior
Depressed or anxious behavior
Frequent emergency care visits
Advanced health problems that should have been treated earlier but weren’t
Conflicting stories about injury or health issue
Someone else is speaking for the patient
Operation Underground Railroad has also created a free online training course to learn how to spot the signs of trafficking. Designed for ages 16+, it can be done in pieces as you find the time:
If you ever hear or see something which indicates someone is a victim of human trafficking, ACT! By reporting what you have seen and heard, you may save someone's life.
Contact your local law enforcement and/or the National Human Trafficking Hotline
