Human Trafficking

If you witness or suspect sexual exploitation or another form of human trafficking, please report your concerns to local law enforcement right away.

Often considered a “hidden crime,” human trafficking is a complex problem without many physical signs. To help prevent and put an end to the human violations, it is important for everyone in the community to keep an eye out, raise awareness and report suspicions. The following are some of the most common signs of human trafficking, but this is not a comprehensive list. If another red flag gives you cause for concern, don’t hesitate to submit a tip.

An individual might be a victim of human trafficking if they:

• Are not permitted to speak for themselves
• Have frequent trips to the emergency department
• Appear brutally beaten with physical injuries, such as broken bones, traumatic brain injuries, genital tears or bite marks
• Are not free to come and go as they please
• Avoid eye contact and seem nervous, paranoid and submissive
• Do not have an ID, passport, bank account or other personal information
• Entered their line of work through coercion, false promises or physical force
• Give vague answers about where they live and who they spend time with
• Go to work each day in dangerous, unfit conditions
• Have had multiple pregnancies or sexually transmitted infections (STIs) at a young age
• Have unusual tattoos of logos or barcodes, sometimes with misspelled words
• Lie and cover up false stories
• Receive little to no pay for their work
• Show signs of torture, abuse and forced restraint
• Work in the commercial sex industry with a “boyfriend”, “pimp” or “daddy”
• Are buried in large debts they can’t pay off
• Are expected to work long hours without breaks
• Appear malnourished or in a bad medical state

References

• https://polarisproject.org/human-trafficking/recognize-signs
• https://hopeforjustice.org/spot-the-signs/

A survivor of human trafficking will face a long and complex journey to recovery. They often need specialized clinical treatment, as well as trauma-informed mental and emotional care. Survivors who were trafficked as children will likely have missed years of education and require job and life skills training. Some may also need prenatal care or childcare support. Find local resources in the section above to support these survivors, keep them safe and reaffirm their worth.

Human Trafficking Survivors Open Up About Horrors

First-hand accounts of human trafficking compiled by the Huffington Post.

Equality Now Trafficking Survivor Stories

Hear from people around the world about their experiences with human trafficking.

Human Trafficking Victim Shares Her Story

In this article from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, one woman tells her powerful story of sexual exploitation, rescue and recovery.

Forced Labor, Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking 

Statistics, news and resources collected by the International Labor Organization.

Human Trafficking Task Force Outreach Toolkit

Resources to support service providers and law enforcement as they help to combat human trafficking.

Labor Trafficking Guide

Overview, statistics and resources from the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

National Human Trafficking Hotline Resources

Learn the basics about human trafficking, find referral sources and download helpful education guides.

Not For Sale

Learn about the causes of modern slavery and how to get involved to help prevent human trafficking.

Polaris Project

Resources, legislation and information to help end human trafficking and support victims as they reclaim their freedom.

Sex Trafficking

Overview, statistics and resources from the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

Stark County Family Court

Supporting the rights of young people who have been affected by child labor, sexual exploitation or another form of human trafficking.

According to Mercy Medical Center, you should follow these steps to ensure you get the care you need after an assault:

• Contact HAVEN for immediate medical attention from the Mercy Emergency Department.
• Get to a safe space as soon as possible.
• In cases of sexual assault, try to avoid changing your clothes, bathing or brushing your teeth.
• Reach out for support from a trusted adult.
• Remember you have options.
• Request a medical forensic evaluation to address concerns related to the assault (even if you do not have any obvious injuries).

You can expect the following when you seek treatment through the HAVEN program at Mercy Medical Center:

• You will be moved to a private waiting room or medical treatment area as soon as possible.
• A doctor will perform an evaluation and provide treatment for any physical injuries.
• Evidence may be collected, including clothing, hair, blood, urine or other samples at no additional charge.
• Examiners will provide information about your care options and recommendations for safety planning.
• Medical staff will offer any medications or vaccinations needed, which may include prophylactic medications for sexually transmitted infections, pregnancy and HIV.
• Members of the clinical team will help you complete a Victim of Crime Compensation application.
• The nursing staff will talk to you about your rights as a victim of crime and connect you with local social service providers.

• Are you in crisis?
• Employment Resources
• Resources for Parents
• Behind on Rent & Utilities
• Food Assistance
• Mental Health Service Providers
• Drugs & Alcohol