Red Flags for Spotting Human Trafficking

Find here "red flags" for spotting the victims of human trafficking. This information is adapted from tips published by The Salvation Army.

Suspect Human Trafficking?
Or are you a victim?
Call the National
Hotline
1 888 3737 888

This informational page is maintained by Not For Sale Tennessee for participants in the poster campaign project. Select an affiliate for more information about Not For Sale Campaign in your area:

Tennessee

National

Some indicators raise a red flag that a person may be a victim of human trafficking. Take notice in situations where a person

• Appears to be under someone else's control.

• Appears to be under surveillance at all times.

• All or most contacts with family, friends, and professionals are controlled and monitored.

• Is rarely alone.

• Is unable to move to a new location or leave their job.

• Does not manage their own money or their money is largely controlled by someone else.

• Is not in control of their own identification or travel documents.

• Works excessive hours.

• Is unpaid for their work or paid very little.

• Lives with multiple people in a very cramped space.

• Lives with their employer.

• Has no English language skills or knowledge of the local community.

• Appears to have little privacy.

• Appears to have visible injuries or scars, such as cuts, bruises, or burns.

• May have injuries around the head, face, and mouth from being struck in the head or face.

• Have untreated illnesses or infections, particularly sexually transmitted diseases.

• May have generally poor health and/or diseases associated with unsanitary living conditions.

• Exhibits submissive behavior or fearful behavior in the presence of others.

• Exhibits emotional distress such as depression, anxiety, manifestations of trauma, self-inflicted injuries or suicide attempts.

• Engages in prostitution or lives in a brothel.

• Is sexually exploited in strip clubs, massage parlors, pornography.

• Is under the age of 18, in prostitution, or hanging around adult entertainment businesses such as strip clubs, massage parlors, adult book/video stores, etc.

Please note:

This advice applies to you if you are a professional in law enforcement, social services, health care, etc. It is important to talk to potential victims in a safe and confidential environment. If the victim is accompanied by someone who seems to have control over them, discretely attempt to separate the person from the individual accompanying him/her, since this person could be the trafficker. Enlist the help of a staff member or another professional who speaks the potential victim's language and understands his or her culture. Do not collect more information than you need! In depth interviews with the potential victim should be conducted by mental health professionals, law enforcement professionals or legal experts. Multiple interviews may confuse and/or re-traumatize victims and may put you, as a service provider, at risk of being subpoenaed as a witness.

If you are not a trained professional in an environment you control, DO NOT INTERVENE.You risk putting yourself and the victim in danger. Gather what information you have and call the national hotline: 888 3737 888 to report suspected human trafficking.