Environmental indicators
- Living conditions that don’t match the context (e.g., a massage parlor with people sleeping on the floor in the back).
- Living with employer/ place of work
- Unusual number of calls for overdoses, burns, or infections in a short time span from the same address.
- Presence of multiple unrelated people living in one location, especially in sparse or cramped conditions.
- Lack of personal items or furniture in bedrooms, especially for minors.
- Heavy surveillance: Security cameras inside the home, people who monitor and control others’ movements, locks on the outside of doors.
Behavioral indicators rom a potential victim
- Submissive/ fearful behavior
- They have a “pimp” or “manager” in the commercial sex industry
- A person not in possession of their own documents, ID, or money.
- Inability to speak to the person alone
- Answers appear to be scripted or rehearsed
- The individual deferred all questions to someone else or seemed coached.
- The person avoids eye contact, seems fearful, anxious, paranoid, or submissive, especially in the presence of another person.
- Doesn’t know their address, or has no idea where they are.
- Inconsistencies in the person’s story (e.g., gives conflicting answers about their relationships or living situation).
- The individual is unwilling or unable to speak freely, especially in a language you can understand.
Physical/bodily indicators
- Signs of physical abuse or restraint: bruises, cuts, burns (especially on the wrists, arms, back).
- Evidence of malnourishment, dehydration, untreated infections, or poor hygiene.
- Tattoos or branding that could indicate ownership (e.g., barcodes, names especially with a crown over it, gang symbols).
- Unusual injuries inconsistent with the given explanation.
- Signs of sexual trauma or repeated STIs in minors or adults without context.
- Work-related injuries (e.g., chemical burns, repetitive-use injuries) that don’t match the environment or reported occupation
Verbal cues or disclosures
- “I’m not allowed to leave.”
- “He/she has my papers.”
- “I owe them money.”
- “They said they’d call the cops if I tried to run.”
- “I can’t leave or they’ll hurt my family.”
- “I work but I never get the money.”
Signs in minors
- Child is accompanied by a controlling adult who does not allow them to speak or answer questions.
- The child appears to be in a romantic relationship with an older adult.
- Minor is engaged in adult behavior or attire, or uses terminology related to sex work.
- Multiple hotel key cards, large amounts of cash, or new cell phones.
- Not enrolled in school or missing for long periods.
- History of repeated runaways or encounters with law enforcement or medical professionals.
Click HERE to read about trauma informed care in a suspected human trafficking case
Reporting a suspected human trafficking case
Report the situation through your department’s protocol. Allow the police to handle the case after you have reported it. Do not try to rescue or confront the suspected trafficker.
You may additionally contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888
or text “BEFREE” (233733).
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