Signs Of Sex Trafficking: Knowledge Is Power
Last week, a poll on the DVM For Hope Facebook page asked the question, “How many readers know the signs of human trafficking, particularly signs of sex trafficking.” The results revealed that 63% of those responding knew none of the signs of sex trafficking. The poll, of course, had a purpose: DVM For Hope exists primarily to educate our followers about injustices and to offer ways to help that are accessible to everyone. A previous post published for National Human Trafficking Awareness Day listed all of the signs, but we think that this subject is so important that it bears repeating. After all, knowledge is power.
Before we look at the signs of sex trafficking, we need to review what sex trafficking is. Sex trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion leading to a sex act, if the victim is an adult. For a minor, force, fraud, and coercion are not necessary, as a child victim of commercial sexual exploitation is, by definition, a victim of sex trafficking.
The Signs Of Sex Trafficking
Most anti-trafficking web sites have a list of the signs of sex trafficking. Shared Hope International, in a Printable PDF titled “Warning Signs of Sex Trafficking,” lists the following signs:
- Signs of abuse, such as burn marks, bruises, or cuts
- Unexplained absences from school, truancy
- Dressed Less appropriately dressed before
- Sexualized behavior
- Overly tired or falls asleep in class
- Withdrawn, depressed, or distracted
- Brags about making or having lots of money
- Displays expensive clothes, accessories, or shoes
- A new tattoo, (tattoos are often used by pimps as a way to brand victims)
- An older boyfriend, new friends with a different lifestyle, or gang involvement
- Disjointed family connections, running away, living with friends, or experiencing homelessness
Other signs might include hyper-vigilance or paranoid behavior; a family history of drugs, alcohol, or abuse; or an overly controlling boyfriend.
Who Is At Risk?
Keep in mind that traffickers are also manipulators. They frequently target at-risk teens with expensive gifts, promises of money, and promises of love and security. Some of the risk factors are as follows:
- Being a runaway or being homeless
- LGBTQI
- Having a history of physical or sexual abuse
- Poverty
- Involvement of child welfare agencies
- Dysfunctional family history
- A history of psychiatric problems
- Substance abuse by a parent or guardian
- Being in foster care
If you suspect that sex trafficking is taking place, call The National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. In Georgia, you can call Out Of Darkness at 404-941-6024. A good resource to have is the Truckers Against Trafficking (TAT) app, which lists the signs of sex trafficking as well as hotline numbers to call if you suspect someone is a victim of sex trafficking.
M.
Sources: