What to Look For

Survivors of sex trafficking rarely, if ever, self- identify as victims. They have been tricked into their situation and are trapped in a web of confusion and lies. It’s up to us to spot the indicators of trafficking and to report the situation to local authorities. Below is a list of possible indicators that someone may be a victim of sex trafficking. This is not an exhausted list. Every story of sex trafficking is as unique as the young man or woman who lives that story. There are also a number of different types or categories of trafficking and some indicators may be associated with specific types. However, if someone exhibits multiple of the following indicators, we have a good reason to be concerned.

• Fearful of police/authorities

• Fearful of the trafficker, believing their life or the lives of family members are at risk if they escape

• Show signs of physical and psychological trauma e.g. anxiety, lack of memory of recent events, bruising, untreated conditions • Anxious about telling others of their situation

• Be unaware they have been trafficked and believe they are simply in a bad job

• Have limited freedom of movement

• Look malnourished or unkempt

• Be unpaid or paid very little

• Have limited access to medical care

• Seem to be in debt to someone

• Have no passport or mention that someone else is holding their passport