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KNOW THE SIGNS

What is human trafficking?

Human trafficking is exploitation of a person for profit through force, fraud, or coercion - or any commercial sexual exploitation of a child - for profit or benefit. 

Does human trafficking happen here in the United States?

YES!  According to data from the National Human Trafficking Hotline, the majority of victims here in America are U.S. citizens. The two most common types of human trafficking are: sex trafficking and forced labor.  It does not always involve kidnapping; victims usually know their trafficker, appear "consenting" and can be trafficked in their own homes and community.  

Who are Victims?

Anyone can be a victim of human trafficking!  There is no single profile - traffickers intentionally target vulnerabilities, rather than demographics.

  • Men & Women

  • All Ages

  • Teens

  • Girls & Boys

  • Children on internet platforms

  • All education levels

  • Americans

  • Immigrants

  • All Ethnicities

  • All sexual orientations

  • All religious affiliations 

Girl Sitting

Common Traits of Victims

Human traffickers are expert manipulators and they know how to exploit a vulnerability that their victim has. These vulnerabilities include:

  • History of abuse or neglect

  • Foster care involvement or aging out

  • Runaway or delinquent youth

  • Substance use vulnerability

  • Economic hardship

  • Disabilities (physical, cognitive, emotional)

  • Immigration instability

  • Social isolation or lack of support

  • Online exposure without safeguards

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Various Forms of Recruiting

  • Online Grooming - social media, internet chat sites

  • Seduction and "love bombing" 

  • False promises of a luxurious life

  • Recruiting from the Porn & Strip Club Industry

  • Blackmail or sextortion / shaming / threats to family​

  • Debt bondage

  • Provide shelter, food, drugs to vulnerable individuals

  • False jobs in modeling, hospitality, tourism, etc.

  • Romantic partners, family ties

  • Recruiters can be women, men, couples & even other teens

Recognize the Signs in Children & Teens

  • Unexplained injuries or signs of physical abuse

  • Anxiety, depression, withdrawn behaviors, fearfulness

  • Frequent STI's and bathroom breaks in class

  • Poor attendance and grades, falling asleep

  • Scripted or "coached" responses, fear of medical or authority figures

  • Defending or expressing loyalty to a controlling older boyfriend/girlfriend or adult

  • Hypersexualized behavior or language inappropriate for their age

  • Dress inappropriate for their age, weather or situation

  • Older boyfriends, partying lifestyle, mature for their age

  • Secretive online behavior, multiple social media accounts, messaging apps

  • De[ression, self-harm, drug use

  • Unexplained income or possession of expensive items with no clear souce

  • Sudden isolation from friends and family

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Recognize the Signs in Adults

  • Lack of eye contact

  • Signs of physical abuse / untreated injuries

  • Malnourishment

  • Always accompanied by another person watching or speaking for them

  • Lack of identification

  • Frequent pregnancies or abortions

  • Unaware of date or surroundings

  • Numerous occupants in a small residency / massage parlor

  • Homes or business with extreme privacy measures - cameras, blacked out windows, evidence of drug use, excessive partying, unusual business operating hours

  • Dependence on "friend" for answers or scripted responses

  • Fearfulness / distrust of authorities

  • Special tattoos to show "ownership" - crowns, pimp's name, bar codes, graves, dollar signs

Human Trafficking Facilitators 

These are individuals or businesses in the community that support human trafficking, sometimes without even knowing. You can be on the lookout while visiting these businesses or using these services. 

  • Hotels / Motels

  • Truck Stops / Gas Stations

  • Air Bnb's​

  • Ride Services

  • Airlines

  • Strip Clubs

  • Pornography industry

  • Beauty Salons

  • Restaurants / Bars / Nightclubs

  • Casinos

  • Tattoo Shops / Smoke Shops

  • Massage Parlors

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What Can You Do?

​

  • Share what you know with friends, family and businesses

  • Host a Stop the Movement Training for your business, church, school, or social club

  • Talk to your kids about internet safety and use parental monitoring controls

  • Delay social media for your teens

  • Support organizations that care for vulnerable populations - foster children, families experiencing poverty, homelessness

  • Become a mentor

  • Join us on an outreach

  • Financially support Stop the Movement or another anti-trafficking organization

  • Pledge not to consume pornography (which creates demand for human trafficking) and educate others

  • Take a self-defense course. Be aware of your surroundings

  • If you see something, say something. Call the Human Trafficking Hotline 888-373-7888 or text "BE FREE"

  • In Florida, call: 855-FLA-SAFE

Documentaries / Films We Recommend for More Information

  • Trafficked

  • Liberated

  • Stopping Traffic

  • Surviving Sex Trafficking

  • Hot Girls Wanted​

  • Invisible Chains

  • Trafficked: Slavery in America

  • Fight The New Drug "Brain, Heart, World"

  • Blind Eyes Opened: The Truth About Sex Trafficking in America

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Give Back.

Make an impact. Donate to Stop The Movement.

Contact Us

If you see something, say something. Call or text the HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE

Call: 888-373-7888

Text line (233733) "BE FREE"

Contact Us

Want more information? Get involved? Need resources? Fill out the form below or contact us via email: info@stopthemovement.org 

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Stop the Movement

Tampa, FL

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