If you are aware of any human trafficking victims, please call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1 (888) 373-7888 to report the incident. Here are some ways you can help prevent human trafficking.
What You Can Do To Help Prevent Human Trafficking
1. Learn the indicators of human trafficking
The first step to stopping human trafficking is to learn indicators. If you know how to spot a trafficked individual, you can help save them:
- Poor living conditions
- Living with an employer
- Answers seem to be scripted and rehearsed
- Multiple people in cramped space
- Inability to speak to individuals alone
- Signs of physical abuse
- Unpaid or paid very little
- Under 18 and in prostitution
- Submissive or fearful
- Their employer is holding identity documents
2. Approach the Suspected Victim
If you suspect that someone is a victim of human trafficking, the following questions may act as a guideline to further assessing the situation. Only ask these questions if doing so does not jeopardize the potential victim’s safety:
- Can you leave your job if you want to?
- Do you live with your employer?
- Have you been hurt or threatened if you tried to leave?
- Are you free to leave the premises if you please?
- Has your family been threatened?
- Are you in debt to your employer?
- Do you have your passport/identification? Who has it?
- Where do you sleep and eat?
3. Where Can You Get Help If You Spot Human Trafficking
After you’ve recognized that an individual is being trafficked, your next step is to seek help.
- Call 911 if it is an emergency situation
- You can also call the National Human Trafficking Hotline, 1-888-373-7888
- If both numbers are called, the National Human Trafficking Hotline will notify police that it is a human trafficking case. The National Human Trafficking Hotline is a toll-free, 24/7, multilingual hotline.
Related: Resources for Sexual Assault Victims in California
Should I confront the trafficker alone if the police are taking too long?
Always wait for law enforcement to arrive, and allow them to handle the situation. Getting involved can endanger you, those around you, and the victim.
Contact Her Lawyer
If you or a loved one is being trafficking, engage in safety planning and contact us. Get your free consultation with one of our experienced women’s rights attorneys in California today!