Recognizing red flags and signs of human trafficking is the first step in identifying potential victims and connecting them to the help they need.
Here are just a few indicators that sex or labor trafficking may be occurring:
- Is under 18 and providing commercial sex acts
- Is in the commercial sex industry and has a pimp/manager
- Has poor mental health or abnormal behavior
- Shows fearful or anxious behavior after bringing up law enforcement
- Poor physical health and shows signs of physical or sexual abuse or restraint
- Lacks control in life or money
- Is not in control of their own documents
- Is not allowed to speak for themselves
- Lacks knowledge of where they are
- Wearing inappropriate clothing for the weather (eg. shorts in winter)
- Loss of sense in time
This list is not exhaustive. Learn more about recognizing the signs at the Trafficking Resource Center.
