Knowing the Signs

I think one of the biggest questions people ask when trying to help in ending human trafficking is, "What are the signs I should look for?"  First of all, it's important to know that no two cases of human trafficking are likely to be the same.  It's a broad crime that encompasses forced labor, debt bondage, sex trafficking, child sex trafficking, etc.  That being said, although it may be tricky to identify victims, there are some good indicators to look out for.  All of the indicators about to mentioned can be found on the Polaris Project website.

Working & Living Conditions:

• Restrictions on ability to come and go as he/she wants
• Is a minor (under 18) and is working in the commercial sex industry
• Has a pimp and/or manager
• Receives no payment, is paid very little, or is only paid through tips
• Works unusually long and/or odd hours
• Is refused breaks at work or experiences unusual restrictions at work
• Inability to pay off a huge debt
• Recruited through false promises "concerning the nature and conditions of his/her work"
• Increased security measures at work and/or home to prevent person from running away

 Mental Health & Behavior

• "Is fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, or nervous/paranoid"
• Extreme fear and distrust of law enforcement
• Avoids making eye contact 

Physical Health

• No access to healthcare
• May be malnourished
• Visible signs of physical or sexual abuse, including torture 

 "Lack of Control"

• Not allowed to own personal possessions or has very few of them
• No control of their own finances
• Their identification may be controlled by another person
• Inability to speak for themselves, another person may insist on speaking on their behalf

Other

• Doesn't know or withholds information regarding the location of where they are staying
• Doesn't know anything about the place/city they are staying
• Loses sense of time
• "Inconsistencies in his/her story"