Awareness
Learn the signs of human trafficking
Human trafficking can affect children, teens, adults, families, workers, and people from any background. Knowing the signs is the first step to helping someone.
What is human trafficking?
Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to control another person for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or soliciting labor and services. Force, fraud, or coercion is not required when the person involved in commercial sex is under 18.
It can happen through exploitation, threats, manipulation, isolation, false job promises, or control over someone's money, documents, transportation, or schedule.
Sex Trafficking
When a person is forced, defrauded, or coerced into commercial sex acts, or when anyone under 18 is involved in commercial sex regardless of force.
- • Pimp-controlled prostitution
- • Survival sex due to coercion
- • Online commercial sex ads
- • Exploitation of minors
Labor Trafficking
When a person is forced, defrauded, or coerced into providing labor or services, including domestic, agricultural, construction, restaurant, or factory work.
- • Domestic servitude
- • Agricultural / field labor
- • Restaurant or hotel work
- • Door-to-door sales crews
Recognize
Common red flags
- Not free to come and go as they wish
- Works excessively long or unusual hours
- Owes a large debt and cannot pay it off
- Was recruited through false promises
- Lives and works in the same place
- Lives in overcrowded conditions
- Has someone else speaking for them
- Lacks personal identification documents
- Shows signs of physical or sexual abuse
- Appears fearful, anxious, or paranoid
- Avoids eye contact or seems coached
- Has tattoos or branding that may indicate ownership
What to do if you suspect trafficking
- Stay safe, do not confront a suspected trafficker
- Call the National Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
- If immediate danger, call 911
- Note details: location, vehicles, descriptions
- Let trained professionals take the lead
What not to do
- Do not attempt a rescue yourself
- Do not confront the suspected trafficker
- Do not post photos or details on social media
- Do not promise outcomes to a possible victim
- Do not share their information without consent
Myths & misconceptions
Myth
It only happens in other countries.
Truth
Trafficking happens in every U.S. state, including Kern County.
Myth
Victims are always kidnapped.
Truth
Most victims are trafficked by someone they know or trust.
Myth
Only women and girls are trafficked.
Truth
Men, boys, and people of all genders are trafficked too, including for labor.
Think someone may be in danger?
You don't have to be certain to report. Trained hotline advocates can help you think through what you saw and what to do next.