How to Spot a Sex-Trafficking Victim

Is it possible you may know a sex-trafficking victim?

She can be anywhere — at your work, your school, hidden in your neighborhood, or out in the open.

The Polaris Project suggests that if you suspect someone is a victim, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center toll-free hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Call specialists are available 24/7 to take reports of potential human trafficking. All reports are confidential, and you may remain anonymous. (Interpreters are also available.)

Related: Sex Trafficking, Revealed

They offer these tips for spotting a sex-trafficking victim. He or she:

Reveals poor mental health or abnormal behavior.
–The person is fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, or nervous and paranoid.
–Exhibits unusually fearful or anxious behavior when someone brings up law enforcement.
–Avoids eye contact with others.

Has poor physical health.
–The personal lacks basic health care.
–Appears malnourished; doesn’t seem to eat well or consistently.
–Shows signs of physical and/or sexual abuse, physical restraint, confinement, or torture.

Shows a lack of control.
–The person has few or no personal possessions.
–Is not in control of his or her own money; has no financial records or bank account.
–Is not in control of his or her own identification documents (ID or passport).
–Is not allowed or able to speak for himself or herself (a third party insist on being present and/or translating).

Exhibits other warning signs.
–Uses claims of “just visiting,” and is unable to clarify an address.
–Lacks knowledge of current whereabouts: “What city am I in?”
–Is at a loss in terms of time: “What day (or week, or month) is it?”
–Has numerous inconsistencies within his or her story.

Anyone can report suspected trafficking cases to law enforcement, according to the website humantafficking.org. If the victim is under 18, professionals who work in certain areas — law enforcement, health care, social care, mental health, and education — are required to report such cases.

Through the efforts of concerned communities and ongoing public-awareness campaigns, more professionals on the front line can readily identify trafficking victims. Each of us can save a life by knowing what to look for, and acting upon any suspicions we may have by contacting law enforcement.

[lz_ndn video=25758284]