top of page

Would you recognize a victim of human trafficking?

IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING. 

What to look for?

Common Work and Living Conditions: The individual(s) in question

  • Is not free to leave or come and go at will

  • Is under 18 and is providing commercial sex acts

  • Is in the commercial sex industry and has a pimp / manager

  • Is unpaid, paid very little, or paid only through tips

  • Works excessively long and/or unusual hours

  • Is not allowed breaks or suffers under unusual restrictions at work

  • Owes a large debt and is unable to pay it off

  • Was recruited through false promises concerning the nature and conditions of his/her work

  • High security measures exist in the work and/or living locations (e.g. opaque windows, boarded up windows, bars on windows, barbed wire, security cameras, etc.)

  • Is living and working on site

  • Experiences verbal or physical abuse by their supervisor

  • Is not given proper safety equipment

  • Is not paid directly

  • Is forced to meet daily quotas

Poor Mental Health or Abnormal Behavior

  • Is fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, or nervous/paranoid

  • Exhibits unusually fearful or anxious behavior after bringing up law enforcement or immigration officials

  • Shows signs of substance use or addiction

Poor Physical Health

  • Shows signs of poor hygiene, malnourishment, and/or fatigue

  • Shows signs of physical and/or sexual abuse, physical restraint, confinement, or torture

Lack of Control

  • Has few or no personal possessions

  • Is frequently monitored

  • Is not in control of their own money, financial records, or bank account

  • Is not in control of their own identification documents (ID or passport)

  • Is not allowed or able to speak for themselves (a third party may insist on being present and/or translating)

Other

  • Claims of just visiting and inability to clarify where they are staying/address

  • Lack of knowledge of whereabouts and/or do not know what city he/she is in

  • Appear to have lost sense of time

  • Shares scripted, confusing, or inconsistent stories

  • Protects the person who may be hurting them or minimizes abuse.

 EXERTED FROM POLARIS

​

What do I do?

Do NOT put yourself or the victim in danger by confronting a suspected victim, buyer, or trafficker.

Document your observations of physical details of all parties, including vehicles, clothes, tattoos and physical features, as well as reasons for suspecting trafficking.

Call numbers in the resources tab with this information, starting with your local law enforcement.

Watch the video of our very own survivor to gain insight into the harsh realities of trafficking. Human trafficking continues to be a widespread problem, destroying lives and communities around the world. Gain insight into the tragedies suffered and the bravery displayed in the face of incredible adversity by listening to the survivor's firsthand tale. This video provides an opportunity to confront the harsh truths of trafficking and stand in solidarity with survivors. Join us in raising awareness and advocating for change against this insidious crime.

bottom of page