Know the Signs.
Human Trafficking may not look like what you think.
It’s important to challenge the dramatic images of human trafficking that movies and TV shows often present. Unlike these portrayals, which usually focus on kidnappings and immediate danger, the true signs of trafficking can be much more subtle and harder to notice.
When evaluating the indicators of sex trafficking below, it’s important to also look for patterns of behavior and to consider the context in which the behaviors are occurring. Indicators can be layered, and the issue is nuanced, no one indicator alone will point to a trafficking situation as each survivor's experience is unique.
Are you…
Being made, pressured, or convinced to perform sex acts for money?
Unable to keep your money, phone or ID because someone else controls them?
Being monitored at all times? Being told to keep in constant contact?
Receiving gifts or substances that you then have to pay back?
Being controlled by threats, force or deception?
Being isolated from your family and friends?
Being told to keep your relationship/activities a secret?
Earning money and unable to keep it?
Being told who to see and who you can talk to?
Told to look or dress a certain way?
Signs that someone may be a victim of human trafficking include:
Being controlled by others, driven to and from locations;
Being monitored, escorted and watched by others;
Not having a passport or other forms of ID in their possession;
Not having control of their own money or cellphone;
Not being familiar with the neighbourhood they live or work in;
Being moved frequently; claiming to be “new” or “just visiting”
Not being allowed to contact family or friends;
Lying about age or using a false ID;
Providing scripted or rehearsed answers to casual questions;
May be in possession of excess cash or items outside their financial means;
Frequent absences from home, school or other normal activities.
Signs of behavioural change and psychological distress
May act in a fearful, anxious, submissive or nervous manner or be excessively concerned about displeasing their partner or employer;
May be fearful of law enforcement or immigration;
May avoid eye contact or let another person speak for them;
May have visible signs of substance dependency;
May use slang terminology that is popular within the commercial sex industry subculture.
Changes in physical appearance
May be dressed in clothing that is inappropriate for the time of year or context;
May suddenly have belongings beyond their financial means, including clothing, vapes, electronics
May exhibit branding or tattoos of the trafficker’s name or symbol;
May have bruises or other signs of physical abuse, including looking malnourished;
May lack access to basic medical services or be denied access to to them.
Victims may…
Not know they are being victimized because they have a relationship with their trafficker – or feel as though they consented to participate in the commercial sex industry
Not appear to need assistance because they have a place to live, food to eat, nice clothes, medical care and even a “paying job”;
Feel isolated and alone, with no options.
Fear for their safety or the safety of someone known to them, as some traffickers will threaten to harm the victim, their friends, family or pets if they report their situation or cooperate with law enforcement;
Feel as though they have a debt to repay for things like gifts, drugs, accommodation, recruitment fees, etc.
Suffer emotional trauma, physical abuse and psychological harm.