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SIGNS OF TRAFFICKING

WARNING SIGNS THAT AN INDIVIDUAL IS BEING TRAFFICKED

 

  • Signs of physical abuse such as burn marks, bruises, or cuts  

  • Unexplained absences from school, truancy

  • Less appropriately dressed than before  

  • Sexualized behavior  

  • Overly tired or falls asleep in class  

  • Withdrawn, depressed, or distracted  

  • Brags about making or having lots of money  

  • Displays expensive clothes, accessories, or shoes  

  • New tattoo (tattoos are often used by pimps as a way to brand victims.)

  • Older boyfriend, new friends with a different lifestyle, or gang involvement  

  • Disjointed family connections, running away, living with friends, or experiencing homelessness

PIMPS/TRAFFICKERS OFTEN EXHIBIT THE FOLLOWING BEHAVIORS OR  CHARACTERISTICS

 

  • Jealous, controlling, and violent

  • Significantly older than female companions  

  • Promise things that seem too good to be true  

  • Encourage victims to engage in illegal activities to achieve their goals and dreams  

  • Buys expensive gifts or owns expensive items  

  • Is vague about his/her profession  

  • Pushy or demanding about sex  

  • Encourages inappropriate sexual behavior  

  • Makes the victim feel responsible for his/her financial stability. Very open about financial matters.

TO REPORT A TIP OR CONNECT WITH ANTI-TRAFFICKING SERVICES IN YOUR AREA CONTACT:     

911 for Local Law Enforcement 

Human Trafficking hotline #    1-888-373-7888

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children #  1-800-843-5678

 

Innocence Lost  501(c) (3)

Executive Director

Barbara Johnson

619-804-1263

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