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How do I know if I or someone I know is being trafficked?
Sex trafficking is a crime against a person in which a commercial sex act is induced by forcing them, tricking them, or pressuring/scaring them into doing it. Something of value (like money, shelter, food, drugs, safety, etc) is exchanged for that sex act. A commercial sex act for someone under the age of 18 is automatically considered trafficking even without evidence of force, fraud or coercion.
Labor Trafficking is a crime against a person in which they are forced, tricked, or pressured/scared into performing labor.
In some cases, someone may be a victim of both labor and sex trafficking.
If you think you or someone you know is being trafficked, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888 or text them: 233733
FAQ
What will happen if i call the National Human Trafficking Hotline?
The hotline is open 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. You can call to make a report anonymously. They can also answer questions you may have in understanding if you or someone you know is a victim. They can also connect you to local resources and services for you. Hotline advocates are not law enforcement.
I'm a boy. Can I be a traffciking victim?
Yes. Many people think that just girls and women are trafficking victims, but boys and transgender people can also be victims of both sex and labor trafficking.
I traded a sexual act to get food or shelter not money, so how can I be a victim?
This is called survival sex. If you are under the age of 18, performing a sex act in exchange for survival such as food, shelter or safety is considered trafficking.
Do you have to have a pimp to be a trafficking victim?
Pimps are not always what we think of from movies. Pimps or traffickers can be male or female, a family member, friend, neighbor, gang member, or romantic partner.
I am a minor and I was told that I would go to jail for prostituion. Is that true?
You were told wrong. In most states, the law states that if you were sold for sex when you were under the age of 18 you are not a prostitute. You are a trafficking victim.
Where are traffickers looking for victims?
Sometimes traffickers recruit victims online, through job advertisements or friendships. Sometimes traffickers are family members. Other times they may look for victims at places where youth gather such as a mall. It is not unusual for a trafficker to use another victim to recruit potential new victims.
Can't trafficking victims just use their phone to call?
Traffickers are very, very cautious to not allow their victims a way to get help. Many times traffickers work hard to keep their victims too scared to call or they convince a victim that they will be arrested if they go to the police. Traffickers find ways to make it very difficult for victims to freely make calls.
How can I be a trafficking victims if I was never kidnapped?
Kidnapping is a very rare way that traffickers get victims. Traffickers will often "groom" a victim, at first by giving lots of gifts and showing lots of attention. It is common for traffickers to use a relationship to lure a victim; they may not request or pressure a victim to perform a commercial sex act until after months of developing a relationship with them. Traffickers can be really good at what they do. Some victims don't realize that they are victims because the trafficker has been very careful to make it appear that the victim is responsible or choosing freely.
How can I be a victim if I never left my town? ARen't trafficking victims sent to other areas?
You don't have to be moved to be a trafficking victim. Trafficking can happen in your own home.
I'm not in the country legally but I am being trafficked. If I tell someone will i be deported?
Trafficking victims can be given a visa to stay in the US. For more information, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline: National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888 or text them: 233733
Where in the state is trafficking happening?
Trafficking happens in big cities, small towns, and rural areas. The State Bureau of Investigations has made arrests all over the state.