Hollywood’s inaccurate depictions of human trafficking leave us with a distorted understanding of the problem. The myths and misconceptions that stem from movies and TV shows can alter our perceptions of what human trafficking looks like, which prevents us from acting. Knowing what the signs of human trafficking are, which questions to ask, and where to find help* can not only counter misperceptions but also prepare us to act quickly if we think we’ve encountered human trafficking. In this article, you will learn what to do if you suspect that someone is a victim of human trafficking. 

*The following resources are primarily US-based

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Know the Signs

In her interview with Stop Modern Day Slavery, human trafficking survivor Dr. Mary Kaye Holmes notes, “There were definitely signs that others could have picked up on had they known what to look for.” For her, these signs included changes in behavior and gradual isolation. Human trafficking survivor Jose Alfaro added his absenteeism in school was an indication that should have sounded alarm bells for his teachers and school counselors. These are signs that may be noticeable if you are familiar with the victim.

If you do not know the victim well, other indicators can include scripted or rehearsed answers, wearing designer clothing and accessories despite working a low-wage job, or having someone else monitor their spending, movement, and communication. For labor trafficking, common signs include living with an employer, living or working in dangerous or overcrowded conditions, or not having access to identification documents, such as a passport, birth certificate, or driver’s license. 

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Ask the Right Questions

It is often the case that victims of human trafficking are not permitted to speak to individuals alone. If you do have an opportunity to speak with a victim without jeopardizing his or her safety, it is important to know which questions to ask. 

Remember that victims of human trafficking often do not see themselves as such. Kimberly Bitz, a sex trafficking survivor who was trafficked by her boyfriend, explains, “I used to think that, in order to be trafficked, it had to look like I was kidnapped. But that wasn’t my story at all. I was in a relationship.” 

As a result, asking whether someone is being trafficked may not elicit a direct response and may make the individual uncomfortable. Psychological restraints, the need for survival, and gender norms are all reasons why human trafficking victims may be unwilling or unable to leave their situation. Instead, checking on the individual’s safety and inquiring about living or working conditions may be easier to start with and give you a better idea of the situation. 

Sample Questions Include:

• Do you feel safe speaking with me right now?
• Can you come and go as you please?
• Do you live with your employer?
• Do you owe your employer money?
• Do you have access to your passport or identification? If not, who does?

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How to Get Help

If you believe you have encountered a victim of human trafficking, the first step is to contact law enforcement. Remember that without full knowledge of the trafficking situation or appropriate training, it may not be safe for you it may not be safe for you to intervene directly.

You can always call 911 to notify local law enforcement. The State Department also recommends alerting the National Human Trafficking Hotline to ensure law enforcement officials who are knowledgeable about human trafficking respond to the alert.

The National Human Trafficking Hotline is a 24-hour hotline equipped to handle calls from anywhere in the United States. The Hotline recommends:

• Calling 1-888-373-7888
• Texting 233733
• Online chatting

You can also submit an anonymous tip through the online reporting form. 

For situations involving missing children or child sexual abuse material specifically, contact the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) at 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or through its Cybertipline.

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Educate Yourself:

Knowing what to do the moment you suspect human trafficking can quell a lot of doubts as you consider the next steps you take. If you are interested in other ways to be more involved and aware, you can educate yourself about resources available within your community.

Resources:

Educating yourself and keeping yourself informed on human trafficking is one of the easiest ways you can help in the fight against human trafficking. Stay informed with Stop Modern Day Slavery’s extensive library of free articles on human trafficking. Articles cover everything from the basics of human trafficking to current events.

Knowing where victims get emergency, transitional, or long-term support services from local organizations can help you point victims in the right direction, if the situation allows. In the United States, you can identify and support NGOs in your community using the National Human Trafficking Hotline’s Referral Directory. You can also use the Directory of Crime Victim Services from the Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime, using the filters to search for services for victims of trafficking. Worldwide, the Global Modern Slavery Directory is a searchable map and database of organizations and agencies that provide support services to victims and survivors.

Training:

If you would like to take an extra step in building your anti-trafficking knowledge, consider a training course. You do not need to be a victim service provider or a professional in a related field; there are many training opportunities for the general public. The Department of Justice’s Office for Victims of Crime Training & Technical Assistance Center and the Polaris Project offer online training programs meant to provide a strong foundation for understanding how human trafficking happens and learning victim-centered approaches.

You can also consider bringing training opportunities to your organization or workplace. Professionals such as healthcare workers, educators, and hospitality workers may encounter human trafficking situations, but not all states require human trafficking awareness training across these industries. The Office on Trafficking in Persons, under the Department of Health and Human Services’ Administration for Children and Families, offers training and details core competencies for a number of professionals, including educators and healthcare professionals.

Additional Resources:

• The US Department of State’s Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons and the Polaris Project offer more ways to identify labor and sex trafficking. 
• Understanding traffickers’ recruitment methods can make you more aware and help you identify human trafficking situations.