How to Spot a Human Trafficking Victim
Human trafficking happens every day in every neighborhood, and there are ways you can combat it.
There are indicators that a person may be a victim of human trafficking:
- The person is under age 18 and is involved in the commercial sex industry.
- The person has unexplained bruises, black eyes, cuts or marks.
- The person shows evidence of being in a controlling relationship.
- The person is in a relationship with an adult, or expresses and interest in relationships with adults.
- The person uses language from “the life” such as referring to a boyfriend as “Daddy.”
- The person has a tattoo that he/she is reluctant to explain.
- The person keeps unusual hours.
- The person is doesn’t have control of his/her own money or identification.
- The person wears new clothes, gets hair/nails done, has new expensive items but has no financial means to afford these things.
- The person is secretive about his/her whereabouts.
- The person has untreated illnesses or infections – especially sexually transmitted diseases.
If you think you may know someone who is a victim of human trafficking, call The Salvation Army’s STOP-IT program 24-hour resource hotline at 877.606.3158, 911 or your local police department. A Salvation Army STOP-IT outreach worker can provide further assistance for you and the victim.
When speaking with a potential victim, please make sure you:
- Talk with the person in a provide, safe and confident environment.
- Do not conduct an in-depth interview. Obtain only the information you need in order to get additional help.
- Do not make promises you can’t keep – such as promising everything will be ok.
- Do not attempt to “rescue” the person on your own – reach out to The Salvation Army STOP-IT program or police.
For more information on human trafficking and how you can combat it, call 877.275.6233.