Recognize the Signs of Sex Trafficking Victims

Poor Mental Health or Abnormal Behavior:

• Is fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, or nervous/paranoid.
• Exhibits unusually fearful or anxious behavior.
• Avoids eye contact.

Poor Physical Health:

• Malnourished, signs of fatigue, scarring, cigarette burns, tattooing/branding, etc.
• Shows signs of physical and/or sexual abuse, physical restraint, and/or confinement.

Lack of Control:

• Has few or no personal possessions.
• Lacks any form of identification.
• Is not allowed or able to speak for themselves (a third party may insist on being present).

Other:

• Claims of just visiting and inability to clarify where he/she is staying/address.
• Lack of knowledge of whereabouts and/or of what city he/she is in.
• Loss of sense of time.
• Has numerous inconsistencies in his/her story.

How Traffickers Control Their Victims:

• Force: rape, beatings, and confinement.

• Mind alterations: alcohol and drug usage.

• Fraud: false offers of caring, marriage, employment, and a better life.

• Coercion: threats to harm the victim or their family and friends, debt-bondage, and psychological abuse such as brainwashing. 

Traffickers routinely use casinos, truck stops, the internet, and other venues throughout the year.