A victim of human trafficking may look like many of the people you see everyday. Would you be able to recognize a victim of human trafficking if you came into contact with one? The victims are not easy to spot and require us to Look Beneath The Surface.
The signs may not be obvious so it’s important to educate yourself to be aware of the red flags. Many times victims are drugged, or they are simply too scared to run away so someone noticing and making the call can save their life.
According to the U.S. Department of State, approximately 600,000 to 800,000 victims are trafficked annually across international borders worldwide. Between 14,500 and 17,500 of those victims are trafficked into the U.S. These numbers are only estimates as human trafficking is a hidden crime. Many cases go unreported because victims are reluctant to report the abuse or are afraid to work with law enforcement.
Victims that are trafficked into the U.S. generally come from Asia, Central and South America, and Eastern Europe. Most people think that trafficked victims are those from other countries, but the truth is that approximately 62% percent of victims are Americans.
They come from cities and small towns throughout the U.S., with runaways and at-risk teenagers, victims of abuse being the most vulnerable potential targets.
Anyone can report suspected trafficking cases.
Here are some indicators that may identify a possible trafficking victim:
- Accompanied by a controlling person or boss; not speaking on own behalf;
- Lack of control over personal schedule, money, I.D., travel documents;
- Transported to or from work; lives and works in the same place;
- Debt owed to employer/crew leader; inability to leave job;
- Bruises, depression, fear, overly submissive.
Asking the right questions will help to determine if the person is a victim of trafficking who needs help.
Key questions to ask:
- What type of work do you do?
- Are you getting paid? Anything taken out of your pay?
- Can you leave your job if you want to?
- Can you come and go as you please? Are you afraid to leave? Why?
- Have you or your family been threatened?
- What is the pay and conditions of employment?
- Does the person live at home or at/near the work site?
- Do you have to ask permission to eat/sleep/go to the bathroom?
- Are there locks on your doors/windows so you cannot get out?
- Has your identification or documentation been taken from you?
- How did the individual arrive to this destination if the suspected victim is a foreign national?
- Does the person fear that something bad will happen to him or her, or to a family member, if he/she leaves the job?
If you think you have come in contact with a victim of human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1-888-373-7888.
This hotline is open 24 hours a day/7 days a week. It will help you determine if you have encountered victims of human trafficking, will identify local resources available in your community to help victims, and will help you coordinate with local social service organizations to help protect and serve victims so they can begin the process of restoring their lives.
In cases of emergency, call 911.
For more information about Human Trafficking visit:
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