What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is the exploitation of people for commercial sex acts (also called sex trafficking), or labor and services (also called labor trafficking). Sometimes victims don’t know their rights or they might be forced, pressured, intimidated, or tricked to believe that what is happening to them is okay or that it is their own fault.
Sex and labor trafficking are against both state and federal law. These laws exist to help protect victims who need help and to hold traffickers accountable.
What are signs that someone might be a victim of trafficking?
Few or no personal possessions and is not in control of his/her own money
Is not in control of his/her own identification documents (ID or passport)
Is not allowed or able to speak for himself or herself
A third party insists on being present and/or interpreting for the person
Claims of ‘just visiting’ and inability to clarify where he or she is staying
Loss of sense of time
Numerous inconsistencies in his or her story
Appears to be closely controlled or monitored by someone
Works excessive hours but receives little or no compensation
Fearful of discussing working conditions
Unaware that certain unsafe conditions are unlawful
Lacks medical care or is denied medical services by employer
Appears malnourished or shows signs of abuse
Exhibits unusually fearful or anxious behavior
A person who has little or no idea where they are geographically located
Involvement in the commercial sex industry
Workers transported covertly and under controlled conditions
Workers sleep in vehicles or appear to live and cook on work premises
Worksites that look like a guarded compound from the outside
Facilities surrounded by barbed wire; bars on the windows; bouncers, guards, cameras or guard dogs
Workers who have no means to communicate outside of the workplace
Large numbers of workers living in the same space, particularly in a space not normally suited as a living space