KNOWING THE SIGNS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING CAN SAVE A LIFE.
Identifying a person who is being exploited is not always simple. Information should be sought about their work situation and their dependence relationships.
is not free to come and go as he/she wishes
is unpaid, paid very little, or paid only through tips
works excessively long or unusual hours
is not allowed breaks/suffers under unusual restrictions at work
owes a large debt and is unable to pay it off
was recruited through false promises concerning his/her work
is being isolated or shielded from view
lacks knowledge of whereabouts
has lost their sense of time
has numerous inconsistencies in his/her story
is fearful, anxious, depressed, tense, nervous or paranoid
exhibits anxious behavior upon discussing engaging law enforcement
avoids eye contact
appears malnourished
shows signs of physical and/or sexual abuse, physical restraint, confinement, or torture
has few or no personal possessions
is not in control of his/her own money or identification documents
is not allowed or able to speak for themselves (a third party may insist on being present and/or translating)
The signs of human trafficking can vary by the type of trafficking and the environment.
If you are a medical professional, a truck driver, an airline employee, a teacher, a law enforcement officer, or a hotel employee, check out these additional resources to handle human trafficking at work.
If you suspect human trafficking call the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
Never interfere with a situation or attempt to directly assist the victim. If a potential situation of human trafficking is uncovered, consider the following action steps:
1. If you believe someone in your environment is in danger please call 911 for immediate response from local law enforcement.
2. If you believe you can identify a missing child, call the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children Hotline at 1-800-843-5678
3. If you suspect human trafficking or exploitation might be happening in your environment but do not think anyone is in immediate danger, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888 or email nhtrc@polarisproject.org.
4. If you are a victim of human trafficking and need assistance, you can
• Call 911 for immediate response
• Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888 or email nhtrc@polarisproject.org
• Text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733)