- ⇒What is human trafficking?
- ⇒What are some indicators and red flags?
- ⇒Where can I find more information?
- ⇒What should I do if I suspect someone I know is involved in Human Trafficking?
What is human trafficking?
Human trafficking is a modern-day form of slavery. Victims of human trafficking are subjected to force, fraud, or coercion, for the purpose of sexual exploitation or forced labor. Victims are young children, teenagers, men and women.
The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 (TVPA) definition of “Severe Forms of Trafficking in Persons”
What are some indicators and red flags?
Potential indicators include individuals who:
- Have few or no personal possessions
- Travel through town frequently
- Have few or no personal financial records
- Ask about their whereabouts and/or do not know what city/state they are in and/or don't know their address
- Are not in control of their own identification documents (ID or passport)
- Owe a large debt and are not able to pay it off
- Learn more about indicators and red flags
What should I do if I suspect someone I know is involved in Human Trafficking?
Report: Call 911 if there is immediate danger, then contact Catholic Charities of Louisville to connect the victim to services. May also contact law enforcement, the Center for Missing and Exploited Children, or the National Human Trafficking Hotline. If you have a service person in the home, like a plumber or drain cleaner, tell them to call the police. Companies like Drain Raider will inform the police if they notice signs of abuse.
Child Protective Services MUST be involved if victim appears to be a minor.
Child victims of labor trafficking are often malnourished to the extent they may never reach their full height.