Members of the youth-serving community and those who regularly interact with young people are in a unique position to recognize children who may be victims of human trafficking or on the path to becoming victimized. No comprehensive list of all the signs of human trafficking exists, and children who exhibit these signs are not always trafficking victims. However, the following signs are potential indications that a young person may be a victim of human trafficking.
Signs that a youth may be a human trafficking victim:
- Misses school on a regular basis and/or has unexplained absences
- Frequently runs away from home
- Makes references to frequent travel to other cities or towns
- Exhibits bruises or other signs of physical trauma, withdrawn behavior, depression, anxiety, or fear
- Lacks control over her or his schedule and/or identification or travel documents
- Is hungry, malnourished, or inappropriately dressed (based on weather conditions or surroundings)
- Shows signs of drug addiction
- Has coached/rehearsed responses to questions
Additional signs that may indicate sex trafficking:
- Demonstrates a sudden change in attire, behavior, relationships, or material possessions (e.g., has expensive items)
- Is uncharacteristically promiscuous and/or makes references to sexual situations or terminology that are beyond age-specific norms
- Has a “boyfriend” or a “girlfriend” who is noticeably older
- Attempts to conceal recent scars
- Shows a sudden change in attention to personal hygiene
Signs of human trafficking that may be observed during travel:
- Has a travel companion who controls documents, tickets, and movement
- Avoids eye contact with travel companion
- Lacks knowledge of travel plans and destination
If you suspect that someone is a victim of human trafficking, it is important to report your suspicions. Call, text, or chat, the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
How do I identify a victim? Article Source: youth.gov is the U.S. government website that helps you create, maintain, and strengthen effective youth programs. Included are youth facts, funding information, and tools to help you assess community assets, generate maps of local and federal resources, search for evidence-based youth programs, and keep up-to-date on the latest, youth-related news.
