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.