Recognizing and reporting
suspected victims
of human trafficking.
Human trafficking involves the
use of force, fraud,
or coercion in exchange
for labor, services,
or a commercial sex act
When most people think
of human trafficking,
they tend to think
of sex trafficking.
But human trafficking also
includes forced labor
and domestic servitude-both
of which are far
more widespread.
All trafficking is
exploitation-based
and does not require movement
across borders,
or any type of transportation.
As a highly profitable crime,
human trafficking can happen
in any community...in cities,
suburbs, towns,
and rural areas all
over the United States.
It can happen at truck stops,
hotels, clubs, factories, farms,
construction sites,
and private homes.
Traffickers
and victims can be any age,
race, gender, or nationality.
Language barriers,
fear of their traffickers,
and/or fear
of law enforcement frequently
keep victims from seeking help,
making human trafficking a
hidden crime.
And even when victims are right
in front of us,
they are often invisible
because most
of us do not recognize
the signs.
In this video, you'll learn how
to recognize key indicators
of potential human trafficking,
record what you see,
and report what you've seen
to the appropriate authorities.
Recognizing the signs is the
first step in identifying
victims and could help save
a life.
Remember: See...Call...Save.
As a responder working
in disaster-stricken areas,
you may be in a perfect position
to recognize a trafficking
situation...if you know what
to look for.
Human traffickers may view
disaster responders
as a potential source
of easy income.
So, they may let their guard
down and be less likely
to hide their victims,
compared to interactions
with law enforcement.
As you perform your job,
you may witness some
of the indicators
of human trafficking...from both
traffickers and victims.
Remember that not all indicators
we're about to describe may be
present in every situation,
and the presence of any
of the indicators is not
necessarily proof
of human trafficking.
Some of these signs may relate
to the disaster you've
responded to.
But if something doesn't feel
right, and you see one
or more indicators,
report what you've seen,
so that trained law enforcement
can make the call.
Remember: See...Call...Save.
Keep your eyes and ears open
for both physical
and social indicators.
If you are talking
to a potential victim
or if they are nearby,
look for PHYSICAL indicators.
Does the person show signs
of abuse, restraint,
confinement, or torture?
Does the person have bruises
in various stages of healing?
Does the person show signs
of being deprived of food,
water, sleep,
other life necessities,
or personal possessions?
Or living in unsafe
or unsuitable conditions?
In addition
to these physical indicators,
if you are speaking
to potential victims,
look for SOCIAL indicators.
Is the person disoriented
or confused?
Does the person act fearful,
nervous, depressed,
submissive, or tense?
Does the individual avoid eye
contact, appear to be coached
on what to say,
or defer to someone else
to speak up for him or her?
When speaking
to potential traffickers,
pay attention
to the following
social indicators.
Does the person appear
to be holding a large group
in one place
with poor conditions
and limited space?
Is the person constantly
watching or accompanying the
potential victims?
Is the person being physically
or verbally abusive
or threatening
to potential victims?
If you spot any
of these indicators,
do not attempt
to confront suspected
traffickers directly
or alert potential victims
to your suspicions.
Your safety as well
as the victims' safety is
extremely important.
Instead, observe as much
as you can without alerting the
suspected traffickers
or victims.
For example, note the number
of individuals involved.
Observe details
about physical appearance
such as approximate age,
hair and eye color,
race or ethnicity,
prominent facial features,
and/or tattoos.
Pay attention
to any nicknames being used,
and any indicators
of gang affiliation.
After you leave write
down anything you can remember.
Compare notes
with any other responder
who was with you.
Then, as soon as possible,
call the Homeland Security
Investigations Tip Line at one,
eight-six-six, three-four-seven,
two-four-two-three.
This line accepts human
trafficking tips and can work
with its law enforcement
resources to help victims
and open cases.
You can also get help
by making an anonymous call
to the National Human
Trafficking Hotline at one,
eight-eight-eight,
three-seven-three,
seven-eight-eight-eight.
That's one, eight-eight-eight,
three-seven-three,
seven-eight-eight-eight.
It's better to report
and be wrong
than to ignore what you've seen
and possibly fail to save lives.
You now know how
to identify indicators
of human trafficking,
who to call,
and how to report the
information you observe.
You have the ability
to make a change
in someone's life!
Remember: See...Call...Save!