Sex Trafficking occurs when someone uses force, fraud, or coercion to cause a commercial sex act with an adult or causes a minor to commit a commercial sex act. (Source: Shared Hope International)
Sex Traffickers Target
- Schools
- School/Community Sporting Practices and Games
- Playgrounds
- Dog Parks
- Social Media
- Runaways
- Methodical ways of romancing by pretending to be a good boyfriend who provides nice gifts and an escape away from parents
Sex Trafficking Common Places (Hiding in Plain Sight)
- Professional Sporting Events
- Motorcycling Events
- Airports/Airlines
- Street Prostitution
- Swinger Parties
- Reflexology Services
- Massage Parlors
- Acupuncture Services
- Residential Brothels
- Escort Services
- Online – Craig’s list
- Hotels/Motels
- Truck Stops
- Hostess Clubs/Cantina Bars
- Exotic dancing and stripping establishments
- Any place where pornography is used
What To Look For:
Possible Signs of Someone Being Trafficked
- Lack of freedom (Signs of being controlled)
- Few or no personal possessions
- Lack of knowledge of whereabouts, frequent movement inconsistencies in story
- Does not know key information about employer or boyfriend
- Not in control of ID documents
- Signs of physical abuse, malnourished, lack of healthcare
- Owes a debt and cannot pay it off, paid very little, has a quota
Under 18 and Engaging in Commercial Sex
- Relationship with an older man, constant communication with multiple men
- Possession of clothing, jewelry or cell phone that would typically be unaffordable
- Tattoo/branding marking as property of a pimp
- Works during school hours
- Works excessive hours
- Working without proper supervision or monitored excessively
- Engaged in begging, peddling or the illicit economy
- (Source: Polaris Project)