National Human Trafficking Prevention Month: Recognizing Signs
Human trafficking is a crime that deprives a person’s liberty through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of labor and sexual exploitation. Below are some key red flags that could alert you to a potential trafficking situation that should be reported.
- Not free to leave or come & go as they wish
- Is unpaid or paid very little, only through tips
- Works excessively long and/or unusual hours and suffers under unusual work restrictions
- Owes a large debt & is unable to pay it off
- Was recruited through false promises concerning the nature/conditions of the work
- Is fearful, anxious, submissive, or nervous/paranoid
- Exhibits unusually fearful or anxious behavior after bringing up law enforcement
- Answers appear to be scripted & rehearsed
- Poor living conditions/multiple people in cramped space and/or living with employer
- Is not allowed nor able to speak for themselves (a third party may insist on being present)
- Is not in control of his/her own identification documents (ID or passport)
- Shows signs of physical and/or sexual abuse, physical restraint, or confinement
- Under 18 and involved in commercial sex or over 18 with a forceful pimp/manager
To make a referral or request a training, please contact Morgan Guzman, Program Manager, at 562-999-2248 or morgan.guzman@usw.salvationarmy.org
If you think you have identified a potential victim of human trafficking and cannot reach our staff, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-3737-888.
Join us in the fight against human trafficking by staying alert to signs of trafficking and sharing your knowledge with those around you.