Help support 1 million sexual violence survivors

In this report, we are spreading the word about the most common indicators of human trafficking. People of any age, race, gender or nationality can be victims of human trafficking.

The U.S. Department of Homeland Security "Blue Campaign" has summarized the common signs they look for to identify victims and help save lives:

• Does the person appear disconnected from family, friends, community organizations, or houses of worship?
• Has a child stopped attending school?
• Has the person had a sudden or dramatic change in behavior?
• Is a juvenile engaged in commercial sex acts?
• Is the person disoriented or confused, or showing signs of mental or physical abuse?
• Does the person have bruises in various stages of healing?
• Is the person fearful, timid, or submissive?
• Does the person show signs of having been denied food, water, sleep, or medical care?
• Is the person often in the company of someone to whom he or she defers? Or someone who seems to be in control of the situation, e.g., where they go or who they talk to?
• Does the person appear to be coached on what to say?
• Is the person living in unsuitable conditions?
• Does the person lack personal possessions and appear not to have a stable living situation?
• Does the person have freedom of movement? Can the person freely leave where they live? Are there unreasonable security measures?

They note that not all indicators are present in all situations, and not all situations with these indicators point to trafficking.

To reported suspected trafficking in the U.S. - 1-866-347-2423

For victims of human trafficking in the U.S. - 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP to BeFree (233733)

To download an Indicators Card in different languages, use this link: https://www.dhs.gov/blue-campaign/materials/indicator-card

Similar to awareness campaigns over the last few decades aimed at educating the public about the signs of child abuse, we can work together to know and look out for indicators of human trafficking to restore victims' freedom and save lives.