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The Facts About Human Trafficking

U.S. law defines human trafficking as the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts or labor or services against his or her will. The one exception involves minors and commercial sex. Inducing a minor into commercial sex is considered human trafficking regardless of the presence of force, fraud or coercion.

  • $150 Billion - Global profits of Human Trafficking earnings per year for traffickers. $99 billion of which comes from commercial sexual exploitation.

  • 50 States - Human Trafficking has been reported in all 50 states. It happens everywhere. In cities, suburban neighborhoods, and even smaller communities across the country.

  • 63% of Trafficking incidents are reported happening in hotels.

  • 80% of survivors return to their abusers, even after rescue.

Spot The Signs of Human Trafficking

Recognizing some key signs of human trafficking is extremely important. By familiarizing yourself with these indicators, you can potentially save a life!

  • Does the person appear disconnected from family, friends, community organizations, or houses of worship?

  • Has a child stopped attending school?

  • Has the person had a sudden or dramatic change in behavior?

  • Is a juvenile engaged in commercial sex acts?

  • Is the person disoriented or confused, or showing signs of mental or physical abuse?

  • Does the person have bruises in various stages of healing?

  • Is the person fearful, timid, or submissive?

  • Does the person show signs of having been denied food, water, sleep, or medical care?

  • Is the person often in the company of someone to whom he or she defers? Or someone who seems to be in control of the situation, e.g., where they go or who they talk to?

  • Does the person appear to be coached on what to say?

  • Is the person living in unsuitable conditions?

  • Does the person lack personal possessions and appear not to have a stable living situation?

  • Does the person have freedom of movement? Can the person freely leave where they live? Are there unreasonable security measures?

*It is important to remember that not every indicator listed above is present in every trafficking situation. The presence or absence of any of the indicators is not necessarily proof of human trafficking.

Download an indicator card (available in different languages), print it off and keep it with you in order to quickly identify the signs of a potential victim of human trafficking.

Truck stops in particular tend to be hubs of trafficking activity, with their own indicators and risk factors. See the below guide from Lanier Law Firm to learn more about this unique issue:

RESOURCES

https://polarisproject.org

https://rescueamerica.ngo

https://www.freedom424.org