What is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is defined as the illegal exploitation of an individual who is bought and sold as a slave, whether sexual or labor wise. Traffickers use violence, manipulation, or deceit of paying jobs or romantic relationships to exploit their vulnerable victims, some of which work in prostitution, escorting, and receive little to no pay. Human Trafficking is NOT to be confused with Human Smuggling, which is the illegal act of transporting individuals (i.e. migrant workers).

Types of Human Trafficking:

• Domestic Servitude
• Sex Trafficking
• Labor Trafficking
• Organ Trafficking

What is Child Exploitation?

Exploitation can be defined as the act of involving a child for economic or other reasons in criminal activities.

Types of Child Exploitation:

• Child pornography
• Child sex trafficking
• Sextortion
• The live streaming of child sexual abuse
• Child sex tourism

Indicators of Human Trafficking

• Presence of an overly controlling and abusive ‘boyfriend’
• Inability to look in the eyes or face of people
• Injuries/signs of physical abuse or torture
• Signs of malnourishment
• Restricted or controlled communication
• Demeanor - Fear, anxiety, depression, submissive, tense, nervous
• Claims of being an adult although appearance suggests adolescent features Lack of identification documents (ID, birth certificate, Social Security card)
• Lack of knowledge of a given community or whereabouts
• Frequent movement
• Claims of “just visiting” and inability to clarify addresses
• Few or no personal possessions
• Few or no personal financial records
• Inconsistencies in their story
• Reporting an excessive amount of sexual partners during a health check-up