Crawford County Human Trafficking Task Force

Recognizing potential red flags and knowing the indicators of human trafficking is a key step in identifying more victims and helping them find the assistance they need. Not all indicators will be present in all situations. The type of trafficking and the content or environment are all important to consider.

The individual(s) in question:

• live and/or work with high-security measures (e.g. opaque windows, boarded-up windows, bars on windows, security cameras, etc.)
• is under 18 and is providing commercial sex acts
• is in the commercial sex industry and has a pimp/manager
• is unpaid, paid very little, or paid only through tips
• works excessively long and/or unusual hours
• is not allowed breaks or suffers under unusual restrictions at work
• owes a large debt and is unable to pay it off
• was recruited through false promises concerning the nature and conditions of his/her work
• high-security measures exist in the work and/or living locations (e.g. opaque windows, boarded-up windows, bars on windows, security cameras, etc.)
• is living and working on-site

Poor Mental Health or Abnormal Behavior

• is fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, or nervous/paranoid
• exhibits unusually fearful or anxious behavior after bringing up law enforcement or immigration officials
• shows signs of substance use or addiction

Poor Physical Health 

• shows signs of poor hygiene, malnourishment, and/or fatigue
• shows signs of physical and/or sexual abuse, physical restraint, confinement, or torture

Lack of Control 

• has few or no personal possessions
• is frequently monitored
• is not in control of their own money, bank account or financial records
• is not in control of their own identification documents (ID or passport)
• is not allowed or able to speak for themselves (a third party may insist on being present and/or translating)

This list is not exhaustive and represents only a selection of possible indicators. 

Source: https://polarisproject.org/sex-trafficking/