Remember from our post last week that, Trafficking often involves forced, fraud, coercion, or manipulation. It’s important for our community to understand the nature of trafficking because many victims of trafficking do not see themselves as victims at all. Instead, they see themselves as committing a crime and may avoid police or victim services because of this. So what do we need to be watching out for? Today will discuss a list of common indicators of human trafficking so that you are better perform to spot it.
First, let’s talk about traffickers:
- Traffickers can be anyone (parents, friends, lovers, siblings, employers, or strangers).
- Often know how to manipulate their victims.
- Often feed on vulnerabilities.
- Can go back and forth between loving and violent behavior.
- May promise things that are too good to be true.
- May appear to be the most stable person in a victim’s life.
- May lavish the victim with expensive gifts or clothing.
- May also manipulate friends and family of the victim.
Physical Indicators that a victim may have been exposed to human trafficking:
- Scars, bruises, burns, lacerations, bite marks, cigarette burns at different healing stages.
- Untreated infections /inflammations/STI’s
- Addiction to illegal substances.
- Clothing which is inappropriate for the weather or time of day
- Tattoos/Branding (Initials, names, money symbols, bar codes, chains)
Indicators that someone else may be controlling the person in front of you:
- No control over personal items (ID, passport/visas, money, etc.)
- Multiple phones
- Gift cards and cash only
- Condoms/lubes
If you suspect, trafficking, ask yourself these questions:
- Does the person have freedom of movement?
- Does the person have freedom of contact?
- Does person seem to be monitored by another?
- Has the person of family been threatened with harm if person attempts to escape?
- Does the person know where they’re final destination is while traveling?
If you’re not sure what you’re dealing with, you can always call the SARCC hotline at 717-272-5308 or 570-628-2965. You can also call or text the national human trafficking hotline.
