What Are Some of the Signs of Trafficking

Written by Tanya Pearrell

“So, what do I look for?”

“How do I know if someone is being trafficked?”

These are some of the most common questions we receive during awareness presentations, especially after we have just shared that most victims are not kidnapped or kept chained in dark rooms as often portrayed in media.

Unfortunately, there is no specific checklist for every situation but there are several things you can be looking for. Here are a few:

1) Evidence of being controlled. This could mean someone doing all the speaking for them, a sense of fear or being intimidated on the part of the victim, or not being in control of their identification, not leaving them alone (ex refusing to step out during exams or conversations in the emergency room)

 2) Signs of physical abuse

 3) Unusual tattoo - such as someone else’s name or a barcode

 4) A younger (teenage) girl with a much older boyfriend

5) Someone that always has their nails done, the latest phone, most expensive purse or shoes, etc but is not known to have an income to support this

 6) A second phone that would not normally be needed (either in general or for their particular line of employment)

 These are just a few of the indicators to watch for - especially in the lives of those you come in contact with on a regular basis as they can be difficult to spot as you pass someone on the street.  If you suspect something, please do not try to intervene! Report it to the appropriate authorities.

There are many more detailed signs for those in law enforcement, the medical field or social services, as well as victim-centered, trauma-informed techniques. If you would like to set-up a more in-depth training please contact Tanya at tanya@shessomebodysdaughter.org for more information.