What is Human trafficking?
According to the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) and its 2003, 2005, and 2008 reauthorizations, human trafficking has occurred if a person was induced to perform labor or a commercial sex act through force, fraud, or coercion. Any person under age 18 who performs a commercial sex act is considered a victim of human trafficking, regardless of whether force, fraud, or coercion was present.
SAFETY TIPS: For Communicating With Someone In A Trafficking Or Dangerous Situation
- Recognize that the person in the situation knows their situation best, and it is necessary to honor their requests to ensure their safety.
- Maintain open and nonjudgmental communication, ensuring they know they can reach out at any time, and end the call when they need to.
- Try to speak in person if possible. If that is not possible, try to speak on the phone first [rather than via text or social media messaging] and ask if the person is alone, and then use yes/no questions until they indicate it is safe to communicate more freely.
- If they are alone, try to establish safety words: one word to indicate it is safe to talk/the person is alone [for future communications] and one to indicate it is no longer safe to talk and what the person in the situation would like done (cease communication immediately/contact law enforcement/etc.)
- Try to learn more about safety concerns.
- Try to learn more about their needs/wishes moving forward (reporting, shelter, counseling, legal services, etc.).
Human Trafficking Indicators
People who have been trafficked and sexually exploited may:
- Believe they must work against their will.
- Show fear & anxiety.
- Suffer injuries or impairments (typical of certain jobs, control measures, or assault).
- Be distrustful of authorities.
- Not know their home or work address.
- Work long hours or have few or no days off.
- Be of any age (Although the age may vary according to the location and the market).
- Live or travel in a group.
- Have tattoos or other marks indicating “ownership” by their exploiters.
- Be escorted whenever they go to and return from work and other outside activities.
- Have an older boyfriend.
- Have new friends with a different lifestyle than their own and be involved in a gang.
