Indicators of Human Trafficking for Travelers
Traveling opens the door to new experiences, cultures, and adventures. However, it’s crucial to stay vigilant and aware of darker realities, such as human trafficking. This issue affects countless people right here in the United States, and you can play a crucial role in identifying and reporting suspicious activities, especially while you are traveling.
Typically evidence of one indicator is not enough to determine trafficking. When you see one indicator, pay attention and see if you recognize any others to help inform you decision on what to do. Here are key indicators to watch for that may suggest human trafficking:
Behavioral Indicators
Fearful or Submissive Behavior: Victims of trafficking may appear frightened, anxious, or excessively submissive.
Limited Freedom: Individuals who seem to be under constant surveillance, unable to move freely or speak for themselves. They seem guarded or nervous.
Lack of Knowledge About Their Location: Someone who doesn’t know their whereabouts or is not able to answer why they are visiting some place easily, their destination might be under control by traffickers.
Avoiding Eye Contact: Excessive nervousness and a drastic avoidance of eye contact can be indicators of distress or control by another person.
Controlled Communication: Someone who is only allowed to speak through a translator or intermediary, even when they speak the local language.
Physical Indicators
Signs of Physical Abuse: Unexplained injuries, bruises, or other signs of physical abuse.
Poor Physical Condition: Malnourishment, signs of exhaustion or general signs of neglect.
Inappropriate Clothing: Wearing clothing that is not suitable for the weather or environment, which might suggest they do not have control over their attire. This indicator is more prevalent in larger cities and not as applicable in smaller towns.
Overly Protective Companion: A person who insists on answering all questions directed to the individual, controls their interactions and often their personal belongings. Control can often be maintained by the most trusted female the trafficker has, she is referred to as the “Bottom.”
Location Specific Indicators
Trafficking is transient by nature so high traffic areas like airports, bus stations, and train stations are common locations for trafficking activities. Simultaneously, hotels are a common venue for the encounter with the buyer to take place. Here are some indicators specific for these venues:
Traveling with very few personal items.
Revolving Doors: a hotel room that is visited frequently by multiple men, thinking of it like a revolving door.
Multiple Electronics: Someone that has multiple cell phones or computers.
Parking lots: a young girl being dropped off in the parking lot and the driver waiting in the car.
What to Do if You Suspect Human Trafficking
If you observe multiple indicators and suspect human trafficking, it’s important to act carefully and responsibly:
Do Not Confront: Directly confronting a suspected trafficker can endanger the victim and yourself, this is never recommended.
Report Suspicious Activity: if you see multiple indicators report what you see.
1.Call 911 if you believe someone is in immediate danger. Tell them every detail you can remember (vehicle make, model, color, license plate number, descriptions of what you saw that made you think trafficking).
2. Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline – 888-3737-888. This is a great option if an immediate danger is not present but a report needs to be made.
Human trafficking is a hidden crime that often goes unnoticed. As a traveler, staying informed and alert can make a significant difference. By recognizing the signs and knowing how to respond, you can contribute to the domestic fight against human trafficking and help protect vulnerable individuals.
Travel safely and responsibly, always with an eye open to the world around you. Your awareness could save lives.
Proactive Ways to Get Involved
Interested in taking a stand against this horrific crime even when you are not traveling? Here are three ways to get involved:
Join the ‘Strength in Numbers’ campaign. This summer we have a goal of adding 524 new members to Team 1591. This would allow us to add an additional analyst to the Guardian Group team, this addition will result in a minimum of 250 victims identified to law enforcement for action per year.
Volunteer with Project 1591. As a volunteer you can use your own OSINT skills to help develop victim identifications for law enforcement. Learn more about what it takes and sign up to help.
Connect Guardian Group to Law Enforcement. Expand our reach by connecting our FREE resources to your local law enforcement agency.
Feel free to share this information with fellow travelers to raise awareness about human trafficking. Together, we can make a difference.