What are the signs of trafficking?
This is certainly a frequently asked question, and it makes sense! People want to know how they can spot this crime and report it. Especially since we know that only 1% of victims are ever identified. Surely, if we can increase reporting, we can increase survivor identification.
Historically, we have talked about physical signs that might let you know someone is being trafficked. You might have heard to look for things like branding tattoos, signs of abuse, signs of addiction, uncomfortable body language, clothes that aren’t appropriate for the weather, or someone travelling with an older companion. And while these things MAY be indicators of trafficking, there is a whole lot more to it.
I always share now that trafficking situations are a lot more complex than this and you can almost never tell that someone is being trafficked just by observing them in public. Victims often know their trafficker and are closely tied to them. The most common way people are trafficked is by a parent or family member, a partner, or a spouse. They may not be physically held captive, and in fact, may be free to go about a “normal” day to day life. And in a lot of cases, victims don’t realize that what is happening to them is trafficking. All of this contributes to low reporting numbers.
I think the most important way we can identify victims of trafficking is to be in relationship with the vulnerable people in our communities. When talking about people most likely to be taken advantage of, it’s people with vulnerabilities. Whether it be addiction, poverty, housing instability, a disability, or lack of support, these things attract traffickers who are able to manipulate and exploit. If you have someone in your life who falls into this category, pay attention.
We should always be curious and ask questions that help us know whether that person feels safe. Knowing more details about their daily life is only possible if you have rapport with that person. Do they work in the commercial sex industry? Are they in an unhealthy or toxic relationship? Do they feel free to do as they please? Are they in control of their finances? Has their behavior changed recently? Are they more isolated than they have been in the past? These kinds of questions may help you understand their situation and whether or not it is a trafficking situation.
However, it’s important to always listen to your gut and to report something if it feels suspicious. You will never be in trouble for reporting something, no matter what the outcome is! Read more about the signs here. If you want more in depth training on this subject, visit On Watch for a free online training!
To report something, call the National Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. If you’re in Virginia you can contact the VSP hotline at #77. You can also text VSP at 847411. Send a message to that number by typing “VSP” followed by the tip. Messages are anonymous.
