January is National Human Trafficking Prevention month. Please take some time to learn the signs of human trafficking below. You can also visit the Illinois State Police website for additional human trafficking awareness resources: www.isp.illinois.gov/Home/HumanTrafficking.
If you know or suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking, please report it to your local authorities and the National Human Trafficking Hotline www.humantraffickinghotline.org.
Physical Indicators:
- Signs of physical abuse such as bruises, cuts, burns, or scarring.
- Poor physical or dental health, untreated injuries or illnesses.
- Malnutrition or appearing extremely skinny.
- Tattoos or branding that might indicate ownership, often in visible places like the neck or lower back.
Behavioral Indicators:
- Appearing to be coached on what to say, reluctance or inability to speak for themselves, or having a third party insist on being present.
- Showing signs of fear, submissiveness, tension, or paranoia.
- Lack of control over personal possessions, including identification documents, money, or phone.
- Working excessively long hours, or not having control over their work conditions.
- Lack of knowledge of their whereabouts, not knowing what city they are in.
Social and Environmental Indicators:
- Living at their place of employment or in poor living conditions.
- Having few personal possessions.
- Controlled movements, being unable to travel freely, or being accompanied by someone who seems to control their actions.
- Lack of contact with family or friends, or isolation from social interactions.
Other Signs:
- Being in a relationship with a significant age or power disparity, which could be indicative of grooming or control.
- Signs of psychological manipulation or coercion, such as debt bondage or fear of deportation or harm to themselves or family.
- Inconsistent or rehearsed responses to questions, particularly about their job or living situation.
If you suspect human trafficking, it’s recommended to report your concerns to local law enforcement or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “Help” or “Info” to 233733. Remember, immediate danger should be reported by calling 911.