Identifying Human Trafficking

Suspicious Conditions

• Heavy security at the commercial establishment such as barred windows, security cameras, locked doors, heavy isolation, guards, or guard dogs;
• Victims live at the work/brothel site or are escorted between living quarters and work site by a guard;
• Heavy foot and/or vehicle traffic;
• Men disproportionally frequent the establishment;
• Large amounts of cash and contraception at the location;
• Presence of a “trick book," customer logbook, or receipt book;
• Lack of legitimate, expected business equipment;
• Large numbers of workers living in the same space, particularly in a space not normally suited as a living space;

Signs of Abuse

• Prostitute or commercial sex worker appears to be under the age of eighteen;
• Victim has bruising, frequent injuries, prolonged lack of health care, appears malnourished;
• Distinctive brands, scars, or tattoos;
• Victim exhibits fear, anxiety, depression, submission, tension, and/or nervousness;
• Fear or paranoia of law enforcement;
• Victim avoids eye contact;
• Victim does not know what city s/he is in;
• Victim does not have control of his/her own money;
• Victim is not free to leave working or living conditions alone;
• Victim's communication is restricted or controlled, or a third party insists on translating for him/her;
• Victim has an attorney representing him/her that s/he does not seem to know or agree with; and
• Victim is kept under surveillance when s/he is taken somewhere.