Signs of Being Sex Trafficked

Human sex trafficking can occur in a variety of places—hotels, gas stations, stores, and even within a youth’s own bedroom through a form of exploitation known as sextortion. In sextortion, an exploiter persuades a youth to perform sexual acts on camera and then threatens to disclose these acts if the youth does not continue working for them.

If you see or suspect sex trafficking, take action:

• Call the Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.
• Contact local law enforcement immediately.

If you believe a child is being recruited or has been recruited through the internet:

• Call the CyberTip Line at 800-843-5678.
• Visit CyberTip.org for more information.
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It is important to report even if you are unsure. Let law enforcement conduct the necessary investigation to protect those in need.

Some behavioral and physical indicators of sex trafficking include:
 

Behavioral Indicators of a Potential Victim

• With an adult male or female who seems controlling
• Avoids eye contact
• Appears fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, nervous, and/or paranoid
• Inappropriately dressed for the weather
• Doesn’t know their address, day of the week or month
• Unable to speak for him/herself
• Unable to provide a consistent account of what happened to him/her
• Acknowledges having a pimp and/or working to hit a quota
• Acknowledges someone is getting ‘a cut’ of his/her wages

Physical indicators of a Potential Victim

• Infected tattoo, or tattoos specific to trafficking (diamonds, bows, crowns, property of, daddy’s girl)
• Bruises, burns, scars, fractures
• Dental/oral hygiene problems
• STI’s or signs of multiple or unsafe abortions
• Signs of exhaustion, malnutrition, dehydration