To clarify, abuse is the act of injury, harm or damage to someone through manipulation, control, coercion, cruelty or violence. A 2018 Polaris study found that more than 81 percent of human trafficking cases in the U.S. involved a victim at a hotel. Human traffickers use any tool available to them to connect with potential victims. If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911. Sometimes, young children who are not attending school may give the excuse that they are just visiting. The project will be financed with 71.87% of federal funds and 28.13% ($1.37 million) by non-governmental sources. Official website of the Department of Homeland Security. How Traffickers Lure People InStories become weapons in the hands of human traffickers — tales of romantic love everlasting or about good jobs and fair wages just over the horizon. . Any one of the following signs on its own may not imply a trafficking situation, but the presence of a number of these red flags at the same time should prompt nurses to probe further and take whatever action is possible in the particular situation. A friend, family member, co-worker, or student is newly showered with gifts or money or otherwise becomes involved in an overwhelming, fast-moving, and asymmetric (e.g., large difference in age or financial status) romantic relationship. Work in an industry where it may be common to be pressured into performing sex acts for money, such as a strip club, illicit cantina, go-go bar, or illicit massage business. They may also have a fear of the police and act submissive. Working excessively long and/or unusual hours. Does the person lack personal possessions and appear not to have a stable living situation? While familial trafficking can and does happen in families that appear entirely “functional” or “normal” to an outsider, there may well also be signs of other kinds of child abuse or neglect – which may, in fact, include trafficking. Such signs range from the more obvious, such as broken bones, to the more subtle, such as branding or tattooing; Seems submissive or fearful in the presence of others; Seems not to control his or her schedule; … 2 arrested when deputy spots signs of human trafficking January 1, 2021 GMT MILTON, Fla. (AP) — A traffic stop on Interstate 10 in Florida’s Panhandle led to the arrest of two men suspected of human trafficking, officials said. Sometimes, the stories themselves raise red flags. They may be family members, romantic partners, acquaintances, or strangers. Feel pressured by their employer to stay in a job or situation they want to leave, Owe money to an employer or recruiter or are not being paid what they were promised or are owed, Do not have control of their passport or other identity documents, Are living and working in isolated conditions, largely cut off from interaction with others or support systems, Appear to be monitored by another person when talking or interacting with others, Are being threatened by their boss with deportation or other harm, Are working in dangerous conditions without proper safety gear, training, adequate breaks, or other protections, Are living in dangerous, overcrowded, or inhumane conditions provided by an employer. Have a controlling parent, guardian, romantic partner, or “sponsor” who will not allow them to meet or speak with anyone alone or who monitors their movements, spending, or communications. Between 100,000 and 300,000 children in the United States are victims of human sex trafficking each year, according to Indiana Protection for Abused and Trafficked Humans Task Force. Everyone can help by learning the types of trafficking and paying attention to the people around us. Is the person disoriented or confused, or showing signs of mental or physical abuse? Are there unreasonable security measures. People may be vulnerable to trafficking if they: Who Are the TraffickersThere is no evidence that traffickers are more likely to be of a particular race, nationality, gender, or sexual orientation. Are children who live with or are dependent on a family member with a substance use problem or who is abusive. Does the person appear disconnected from family, friends, community organizations, or houses of worship? Recognizing Signs of Human Trafficking. Not all indicators listed above are present in every human trafficking situation, and the presence or absence of any of the indicators is not necessarily proof of human trafficking. Someone may be experiencing sex trafficking if they: If you believe you are a victim of human trafficking or may have information about a potential trafficking situation, please contact the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline. Can the person freely leave where they live? A family member, friend, or co-worker is recruited for an opportunity that requires them to move far away, but their recruiter or prospective employer avoids answering their questions or is reluctant to provide detailed information about the job. Warning signs may include: A victim may have signs of physical abuse that seem unexplainable, or he/she is unwilling to describe them. Live where they work or are transported by guards between home and workplace. Shows signs of gang affiliation (color colors, notebook doodles of gang symbols, etc.) A friend, family member, or student is a frequent runaway and may be staying with someone who is not their parent or guardian. Many believe human trafficking only happens in other countries, or in certain areas and among certain classes, but the threat is even scarier than you know. Someone may be experiencing labor trafficking or exploitation if they: Recognizing Sex TraffickingSex trafficking occurs when individuals are made to perform commercial sex through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. Message frequency varies. A family member, friend, or co-worker is offered a job opportunity that seems too good to be true. To Report a Tip. Has few or no personal possessions. Does the person appear to be coached on what to say? ‍. Click here for Terms & Conditions and the Privacy Policy, Información para la Planificación de Seguridad, Click here for Terms & Conditions and the Privacy Policy, Have previously experienced other forms of violence such as sexual abuse or domestic violence, Have run away or are involved in the juvenile justice or child welfare system, Have a caregiver or family member who has a substance use issue. Signs of Human Trafficking. The following is a partial list of potential red flags and indicators of human trafficking and modern slavery. There are currently men, women, and children in immediate need of rescue. Please Note: Not all the indicators listed are present in all trafficking … By becoming better informed on the issue, raising awareness, speaking up and taking action, we can all do our part to help victims of trafficking. Having a pimp who may appear to be a significant other. Is the person often in the company of someone to whom he or she defers? A would-be employer collects fees from a potential worker for the “opportunity” to work in a particular job. Cameron said in 2020, 136 cases of human trafficking from Kentucky were reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline. “Human trafficking is … Sometimes, the stories themselves raise red flags. Other times, traffickers or potential traffickers may raise red flags during recruitment. GENERAL INDICATORS. Generational trauma, historic oppression, discrimination, and other societal factors and inequities create community-wide vulnerabilities. Human Trafficking Prevention Series, 25 Feb. 2019. Other times, traffickers or potential traffickers may raise red flags during recruitment. - Be fearful of the trafficker, believing their lives or family members’ lives are at risk if they escape. We have a shared responsibility … Human trafficking Here are some common indicators to help recognize human trafficking. Contrary to popular belief, these predators rarely kidnap victims, but rather employ psychological manipulation to get what they want. A would-be employer refuses to give workers a signed contract or asks them to sign a contract in a language they can’t read. According to the Department of Health and Human Services, close 90% of human trafficking victims visit a health care facility at least once while in servitude and are not identified as such by health care providers (14). Recognizing Behavioral Red Flags Try to pick up on anxious or timid behavior. SIGNS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING 1. Any child under 18 who is involved in commercial sex is legally a victim of trafficking, regardless of whether there is a third party involved. You can also download or order the Blue Campaign indicator card, which is a small plastic card that lists common signs of trafficking and how to report the crime. MILTON, Fla. (AP) — Officials say a traffic stop on Interstate 10 in Florida’s Panhandle led to the arrest of two men suspected of human trafficking. People sitting in our church pews are no less susceptible. National Human Trafficking Hotline. There are numerous red flags that signify a situation may involve sex trafficking, including: No freedom to leave or come and go at will. Human trafficking can be prevented or stopped by recognizing the warning signs, knowing when to report to law enforcement, and asking the right questions. Stories become weapons in the hands of human traffickers — tales of romantic love everlasting or about good jobs and fair wages just over the horizon. Visit Iamonwatch.org for free training on how to recognize the signs of human trafficking. Human Trafficking Signs And How You Can Help. Does the person show signs of having been denied food, water, sleep, or medical care? Or someone who seems to be in control of the situation, e.g., where they go or who they talk to? Is the person fearful, timid, or submissive? Disclose that they were reluctant to engage in commercial sex but that someone pressured them into it. Is not in control of his/her own money and has no financial records or bank accounts. Want to stop participating in commercial sex but feel scared or unable to leave the situation. Shows signs of physical and/or sexual abuse, physical restraint, confinement or torture. Is not in control of his/her own ID or passport. Here are some of the red flags you should be on the lookout for. One major misconception is that the crime doesn’t happen in the United States and that it doesn’t pose a risk to U.S. businesses. Is fearful, anxious, depressed. For many victims of human trafficking, their only chance to find freedom comes when and if they see a healthcare provider. Who is Most Vulnerable?Anyone can experience trafficking in any community, just as anyone can be the victim of any kind of crime. Trafficked victims are often lured into another country by false promises and may not easily trust others. Signs that a patient might be a victim of human trafficking. Signs of Human Trafficking Video. A family member, friend, co-worker, or student is developing a relationship that seems too close with someone they know solely on social media. Subscribe to the Blue Campaign newsletter. 3 Ways to Help Victims of Human Trafficking by Brenda Harkins. Polaris received $3.5 million through competitive funding through the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, Administration for Children and Families, Grant # 90ZV0134-01-00. Does the person appear disconnected from family, friends, community organizations, or houses of … If a person is being constantly controlled by another person they may exhibit signs... 3. Recognizing key indicators of human trafficking is the first step in identifying victims and can help save a life.” National Human Trafficking Awareness Day is recognized each year on January 11. with Anti-Trafficking Services in your Area. It is rampant. Not free to go as he/she wishes. Have a “pimp” or “manager” in the commercial sex industry. Human trafficking can include prostitution, pornography and sex tourism, as well as labor for industries such as domestic service, factory and construction work, and migrant farming. 1-888-373-7888. Reply HELP for help or STOP to cancel at any time. Entertainment. A family member, friend, or student lives with a parent or guardian and shows signs of abuse. Is the person living in unsuitable conditions? Keeping victims isolated — physically or emotionally — is a key method of control in most labor trafficking situations.