WHAT IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING?
The Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000 defines "severe form of trafficking" as:
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Labor Trafficking
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The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery
Sex Trafficking
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The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act, in which the commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age
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National
State
NATIONAL HUMAN TRAFFICKING HOTLINE 1-888-373-7888
Florida Statutes ​
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INDICATORS
Recognizing key indicators of human trafficking is the first step in identifying victims and can help save a life. Here are some common indicators to help recognize human trafficking.​
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Is the person in possession of her/his documents?
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Does the person appear disconnected from family, friends, community organizations, or houses of worship?
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Has a child stopped attending school?
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Has the person had a sudden or dramatic change in behavior?
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Is a juvenile engaged in commercial sex acts?
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Is the person disoriented or confused, or showing signs of mental or physical abuse?
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Does the person have bruises in various stages of healing?
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Is the person fearful, timid, or submissive?
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Does the person show signs of having been denied food, water, sleep, or medical care?
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Is the person often in the company of someone to whom he or she defers? Or someone who seems to be in control of the situation, e.g., where they go or whom they talk to?
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Does the person appear to be coached on what to say?
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Is the person living in unsuitable conditions?
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Does the person lack personal possessions and appear not to have a stable living situation
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Does the person have freedom of movement? Can the person freely leave where they live? Are there unreasonable security measures?
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Not all indicators listed above are present in every human trafficking situation, and the presence or absence of any of the indicators is not necessarily proof of human trafficking.
HSI Blue Campaign