Human trafficking affects 27.6 million people globally through forced labor and sex trafficking, requiring awareness of warning signs like restricted movement and scripted responses, while licensed clinical social workers provide essential therapeutic support for survivors experiencing trauma-related depression, anxiety, and recovery challenges.
Human trafficking isn't just something that happens 'somewhere else' — it's affecting 27.6 million people globally, including right here in American communities, and recognizing the signs could help save someone's life while connecting survivors to the therapeutic healing they deserve.
National Human Trafficking Prevention Month
Understanding Human Trafficking in America
According to the US Department of State, approximately 27.6 million people are trafficked globally at any given time. In 2010, President Barack Obama declared January to be “National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month.” Each January, this observance continues to raise awareness and provide education about trafficking to help address this widespread human rights violation.
What constitutes human trafficking?
Human trafficking manifests in various forms that aren’t always easily recognizable. In many cases, victims may not even realize that what they’re being forced to do is unlawful. Below are some common types of human trafficking that everyone should be aware of.
Forced labor exploitation
Individuals may be physically forced or coerced into performing work against their will. This can occur across numerous industries, both legal and illicit. The International Labour Organization reports that 63% of forced labor occurs in the individual sector.
The Trafficking Victims Protection Act uses an Acts, Means, and Purpose framework to define forced labor. According to the US Department of State, the “Acts element of forced labor is met when the trafficker recruits, harbors, transports, provides, or obtains a person for labor or services.” The means may include coercion, force, or fraud. Traffickers might threaten to withhold identification documents, withhold pay, report victims to immigration authorities, harm their reputation, or threaten their family. The purpose refers to the exploitation of someone for their labor or services.
Common forms of forced labor
Two prevalent types of forced labor are forced child labor and domestic servitude. Children may be placed in the custody of non-family members who exploit them for labor. These children often cannot rest or attend school due to their work obligations.
Domestic servitude involves forced labor within someone else’s home. Foreign nationals are particularly vulnerable to this abuse due to language barriers, isolation, and immigration status threats. Perpetrators typically control basic necessities like housing, food, and transportation.
Sex trafficking violations
According to the State Department, sex trafficking “encompasses the range of activities involved when a trafficker uses force, fraud, or coercion to compel another person to engage in a commercial sex act or causes a child to engage in a commercial sex act.” The act, means, and purpose framework applies here as well, except for child sex trafficking, where the means element isn’t required. Sex trafficking can occur online and in various physical locations including private residences, massage parlors, and hotels.
Recognizing human trafficking indicators
Be alert to these possible signs of human trafficking:
- Expressions of fear or unusual submission
- Limited opportunities to speak privately with the person
- Living with their employer
- Multiple people crowded into tight living quarters
- Responses that appear rehearsed or scripted
How to engage with potential trafficking victims
If you notice concerning signs, consider speaking with the person, but only if you can do so safely without alerting potential traffickers. When possible to speak privately, the US Department of Health & Human Services recommends asking questions such as:
- Are you able to leave your job or situation if desired?
- Can you come and go freely?
- Have you received threats against leaving?
- Have you experienced physical harm?
- What are your working or living conditions like?
- Where do you sleep and eat?
- Do you have a proper bed or sleeping arrangement?
- Have you been deprived of food, water, sleep, or medical care?
- Must you request permission for basic needs like eating or using the bathroom?
- Are doors and windows locked to prevent you from leaving?
- Has anyone threatened your family?
- Has someone taken your identification or documentation?
- Is anyone forcing you to do things against your will?
If you’re uncertain whether someone is experiencing trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. For emergencies, call 911 immediately.