The problem
Human trafficking is modern-day slavery. It’s the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some form of labor or commercial sex act. And it still exists today.
Less than 1% of victims ever escape their trafficker. Due to limited awareness, aftercare, and training, over 99% remain in captivity worldwide.
Human trafficking is recognized as the fastest growing criminal industry³. While great strides are being made to combat this destructive crime, there is still more work to be done, and we need your help!
“Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
– Martin Luther King Jr.
Want to learn more and make a difference?
Human trafficking is a nuanced issue, and while there is not always a single indicator of a case, there are some signs you should be aware of.
24/7 National Human Trafficking Hotline
If you witness or suspect human trafficking, or you are personally being trafficked, call the toll-free, multilingual, 24-hour hotline.
Signs of human trafficking
Living with employer
Unsuitable living conditions
Inability to speak to anyone alone
Answers appear scripted and rehearsed
Employer is holding identity documents
Identical markings or tattoos in a group
Signs of physical abuse
Submissive or fearful
Lack of personal possessions
Signs of neglect or malnutrition
Not paid the legal amount for work
Juvenile engaged in commercial sex acts
Transportation is provided by employer
Disoriented or using illicit drugs
Wages unlawfully garnished to pay a debt
Unable to leave locations without an escort
Sudden changes in appearance or behavior
Stopped attending school or usual activities
Unreasonable safety measures on the individual
Want to learn more and make a difference?
If you witness or suspect human trafficking, or you are personally being trafficked, call the toll-free, multilingual, 24-hour hotline.
Have questions?
It’s not knowing the signs — it’s knowing the story.
In the anti-human trafficking field, it’s common to hear phrases like "human trafficking can happen to anyone,” or "it's happening in our backyard.” But while these statements are technically true, they don’t capture who the majority of trafficking victims are: people stuck in vulnerable situations. According to Polaris, vulnerable situations include:
An unstable living situation
Poverty or economic need
A history of domestic violence
A history of sexual abuse
A family member with a substance abuse issue
An addiction to drugs or alcohol
Involvement in juvenile justice or foster care
Being an undocumented immigrant
These situations are often complicated, messy, and may be difficult to spot. But as Polaris reminds us—”it’s not knowing the signs, its knowing the story that matters. Knowing someone’s story means knowing where they’ve been, where they are, and where they’re heading. It means knowing people, not just picking up on non-contextual clues. This often takes more time and effort than assessing someone based on indicators, but it can prove more effective in the long run.
If you want to fight human trafficking well, get to know people — especially those who might be in vulnerable situations.
For those seeking services