Human trafficking can affect anyone of any age, race, gender or income, and it can be difficult to identify unless you know what to look for. Victims of human sex trafficking are often young people who are dressed in a way that makes you look twice. They may be truant, use illegal substances and have multiple STIs with frequent visits to the emergency department. Typically, they don’t speak for themselves, nor do they carry their own documentation. They often lack close, healthy adult relationships as well. Learn more about the signs and signals of human trafficking.
If you witness or suspect human trafficking, please report your concerns to local law enforcement right away.
If you believe you may have information about a trafficking situation:
Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free hotline at 1-888-373-7888: Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocates are available 24/7 to take reports of potential human trafficking.
Text the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 233733. Message and data rates may apply.
Chat the National Human Trafficking Hotline via www.humantraffickinghotline.org/chat
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:
Anyone can be affected by human trafficking. It happens all over the world and right here in Stark County. Often these violations are right in front of us – at nail salons, massage parlors, strip malls and sporting events – and we don’t recognize it. Victims can be anyone from a young person who is coerced by an adult they trust to a runaway teen. Other vulnerable populations include individuals in the LGBTQ+ community and dancers at local strip clubs.