Common Work and Living Conditions: The individual(s) in question
- Is not free to leave or come and go as he/she wishes
- Is under 18 and is providing commercial sex acts
- 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.)
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
- Avoids eye contact
Poor Physical Health
- Lacks health care
- Appears malnourished
- Shows signs of physical and/or sexual abuse, physical restraint, confinement, or torture
Lack of Control
- Has few or no personal possessions
- Is not in control of his/her own money, no financial records or bank account
- Is not in control of his/her 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 Warning Signs
- Claims of just visiting and inability to clarify where he/she is staying/address
- Lack of knowledge of whereabouts and/or do not know what city he/she is in
- Loss of sense of time
- Has numerous inconsistencies in his/her story
In addition to these guidelines, identifying red flags also goes beyond the possible victim. In many cases, human trafficking is identifiable by the people around them as well. In many cases, those who are being trafficked may appear dirty, run down and essentially poor. Meanwhile the people or person accompanying them may be clean, well-dressed and successful.
Every case of human trafficking is different. But putting an end to modern-day slavery starts by recognizing that it exists right where we live, work and play.
Know the warning signs, and join the fight against human trafficking. All it takes is simply opening your eyes to the people and situations around you, and being able to recognize red flags. You could be the difference between slavery and saving someone’s life.
To request help or report suspected human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Or text HELP to: BeFree (233733).
If you would like to help break the cycle of commercial sexual exploitation, visit Exodus Cry today.
