Signs of Human Trafficking
HOW TO LOOK FOR CLUES THAT IDENTIFY A POSSIBLE
VICTIM OF MODERN-DAY SLAVERY
(Info produced from the A21 Organization)
CONTROLLED BY ANOTHER PERSON
They are accompanied by a controlling person, and do not speak on his or her own behalf, but instead defer to another person.
CONTROLLED MOVEMENT
They are transported to or from work, or live and work at the same place. They show signs that their movements are being controlled.
LACK OF EARNINGS
They are unable to keep his or her earnings: it is “withheld for safekeeping.” In many cases, the person owes a debt they are working to pay off.
FOREIGN, UNFAMILIAR WITH THE LANGUAGE
They have recently arrived in the country and do not speak the language of the country—or they only know sex-related or labor-related words.
OVERLY FEARFUL, DEPRESSED, AND SUBMISSIVE BEHAVIOR
They are frightened to talk to outsiders and authorities since they are closely monitored and controlled by their trafficker(s). They may be fearful, anxious, depressed, overly submissive, and may avoid eye contact.
BAD HEALTH AND MALNUTRITION
They may have signs of abuse or signs of being denied food, water, sleep, and/or medical care.
LACK OF OFFICIAL IDENTIFICATION
They are not in possession of their passports, identification, or legal documents.
SIGNS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE
They may have bruises, scars, and other signs of physical abuse and torture. Victims of human trafficking are often beaten in areas that will not damage their appearance, such as their lower back.
SUBSTANCE ABUSE
They may show signs of drug use or drug addiction. They can be forced or coerced into drug use by his or her traffickers, or turn to substance abuse to help cope with his or her enslavement.
LACK OF TRUST
They may be distrustful and suspicious. A victim of human trafficking may act as if they distrust any person who offers them assistance or attempts to converse with them.
LACK OF PERSONAL BELONGINGS
They may have few or no personal possessions.
SIGNS OF DEPENDENCE
They may demonstrate affection, attachment, or dependence toward their abuser.
DECEIVED BY A FALSE JOB OFFER
Their actual job is different from the advertised job they had accepted.
FEELINGS OF BEING TRAPPED
They feel that they are unable to leave their current situation.