What is human trafficking?

There are many misconceptions about human trafficking. According to U.S. federal law, human trafficking is defined as anyone of any age being forced or deceived into providing commercial sex acts or labor of any kind. No borders have to be crossed, no smuggling has to happen, and it doesn’t only happen in third-world countries. It happens everywhere.

Simply put, human trafficking is modern-day slavery.

And there are more slaves today than at any other time in history. Trafficking is the second-largest criminal industry in the world, after drugs. The demand for under-age sex providers is high–and so is the supply. The demand for cheap products made by slaves is high–and so is the supply. The good news, however, is that whenever oppression runs rampant, people rise up to fight.

View the 2021 report from the Michigan Commission on Human Trafficking

What does a human trafficking victim look like?

 

A person might be a human trafficking victim if they:

  • Are not free to come and go

  • Receive little or no compensation for work

  • Work excessively long hours

  • Do not have access to their ID, passport, money, or cell phone

  • Are not allowed to speak for themselves; a third party insists on speaking for them

  • Are scared of law enforcement

  • Exhibit anxious, depressed, submissive, or defeated demeanor

  • Show signs of abuse or neglect

  • Owe a large debt they cannot pay off

  • Are unable to say exactly where they live

  • Were recruited under false promises regarding the nature and conditions of his/her work

  • Are involved in the sex industry and is under 18

  • Are involved in the sex industry and has a pimp/manager

Signs of Domestic minor sex trafficking.

 

A minor might be a victim of sex trafficking if they:

  • Have unexplained hotel room keys

  • Have numerous school absences

  • Have an unexplained tattoo (some pimps “brand” their workers)

  • Have false ID’s and lies about their age

  • Are dating much older, abusive, or controlling men

  • Have large amounts of unexplained cash, jewelry, or new clothes

  • Disappears for blocks of time

  • Lacks knowledge about the community or location they are currently in

  • Have a cell phone not paid for by parents or guardians

  • Exhibits fearfulness and an unwillingness to make eye contact

What do I do if I suspect trafficking?

 

  • Get as much information about the possible victim or sketchy situation as you safely can

  • Call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline: 1-888-3737-888 or text INFO or HELP to BEFREE (233733)

  • If you or anyone else is in immediate danger, call 911

Want to be more involved in stopping Human Trafficking in your community? Visit our “Get Involved” page