Survivor

Three populations of human trafficking as defined under U.S. law:

1. children under 18 years of age who are induced into commercial sex
2. adults 18 years of age or older induced into commercial sex through force, fraud or coercion
3. children and adults induced to perform labor or services though force, fraud or coercion

Victim/Survivor Behavior and/or Mindset:

• Victims of trafficking do not always look, act or think as you would think or expect
• Many victims do not view themselves as victims at all
• Victims may fear or “love” their trafficker thus making it more difficult to leave
• It is not uncommon for a victim to distrust people, including law enforcement or people with authority
• A victim may feel shame which is sometimes the reason why they do not ask for help

15 Possible Victim/Survivor Red Flags ( there are others):

• Tattoos as a form of branding
• Fake identification
• Hotel keys
• Runaway or homeless
• Physical injuries such as black eyes, bruises, broken bones, scrapes
• Numerous school absences
• Mental health concerns such as PTSD, Depression, Anxiety
• Hesitant to answer questions
• Threats of harm to self or loved ones
• Multiple cell phones
• Excessive debt
• Expensive clothing, purses, electronics which you did not purchase and they cannot afford
• Self-harm (cutting)
• Using drugs/drinking alcohol
• Gang affiliation