Human trafficking is a crime that occurs when a trafficker uses force, fraud, or coercion to control another person for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or soliciting labor or services against their will. A minor under the age of 18 engaged in commercial sex, regardless of force, fraud, or coercion, is considered a victim of sex trafficking.

Sex Trafficking – Commercial sex act induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person performing sex acts is under the age of 18. Examples include exploitation through commercial sex, including prostitution, pornography, and sexual performance done in exchange for any item of value, such as money, drugs, shelter, food, or clothes, etc.

Labor Trafficking – Using force, fraud, or coercion to recruit, harbor, transport, obtain, or employ a person for labor or services in involuntary servitude, peonage, or debt bondage. Examples include situations of forced labor, domestic servitude, involuntary child labor, etc.

There are a variety of indicators that may suggest someone is a victim of human trafficking, unfortunately, human trafficking can often be invisible. Here are some possible indicators to consider:

• Someone is dominating or won’t let others speak for themselves
• Not having access to their identification, phone, money, etc.
• Traveling or “just visiting” with an older male/not sure of where
  they are
• Only speaks through a “translator”
• Dehydration, malnutrition
• Burns, bite marks, branding/tattoos
• Assess the environment for red flags: multiple beds, drug
  paraphernalia, locks on doors and windows, rope, expensive
  phones or jewelry

Keep yourself safe. Do not intervene. Do not confront the victim or trafficker. 

Make note of:

• Date, time, location/address
• Description of individuals (physical indicators, age, tattoos, etc.)
• Any names or nicknames overheard
• Summary of situation and signs that prompted your suspicion
• Vehicle descriptions

If you believe someone is in immediate danger, always call 911.

To make a report, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733.

To request help for a victim, call 1-800-559-SAFE (7233) or click here for more information on our additional support services.

For technical assistance, please reach out to 309-691-0551 and ask for the Human Trafficking Services Department.

Interested in Human Trafficking Training?
CFPA offers human trafficking awareness training for a wide range of audiences, including but not limited to organizations, companies, municipalities, community groups, and other partners who want to learn more. These trainings can certify partnering groups in human trafficking awareness and are tailored to meet different needs and settings.

For more details or to discuss training opportunities, please email Carol Merna.

Save this mobile human trafficking resource tool to your phone.

Download the resource tool here.