The Signs

One of the most important ways to combat human trafficking is to be equipped with the ability to recognize potentially dangerous situations. Online, be wary of job advertisements on sites like Craigslist, Facebook, or other social media platforms that sound too good to be true with exceptional pay or benefits, especially for jobs like modeling or dancing. Any online interaction with strangers could be dangerous. Some perpetrators may even reach out to you individually via private messaging offering a job. Even though the idea of being “scouted” may be flattering and exciting, no professional business would operate this way. In person, be suspicious of new friends or relationships that lavish you with excessive and expensive gifts for seemingly no reason. Healthy friends will not try to separate you from other relationships and support systems. If you’re meeting up with a new friend, and they randomly ask you to accompany them to a place you have no other reason to go to, be suspicious. The places they suggest could be points for trafficking networks, and new places are harder to escape from. 

It is also important to recognize situations in others’ lives that may be signs of trafficking.  Pay attention to your friends, especially if they start exhibiting different behaviors (like fear, anxiety, depression, or hyper-vigilance) after they enter a new relationship. Appearing destitute, showing signs of physical abuse, poor health, poor hygiene, or malnutrition is cause for immediate concern. Even suddenly having a lot of considerably “nice” things such as expensive clothes, shoes, and their nails done could be a sign of someone being exploited. Limited social interactions or rehearsed responses could be signs your friend is being trafficked, and that their trafficker is purposefully limiting their contact with the outside world. 

If any of these scenarios sound familiar to you, or seem like they might be happening to someone else, tell a trusted adult. Coming forward can be hard, but remember that community members speaking up keeps everyone else safe.