First Step Womens Shelter

Knowing the signs

Organizations that work to end human trafficking have identified a number of signs that may point to human trafficking:

  • The person is not allowed to speak for themselves and their activities are controlled by someone else.
  • The person is under 18 and involved in prostitution or sex work.
  • The person is unpaid or paid very little to work, and seems to be treated poorly (long or unusual hours, not allowed breaks, forced to live in poor conditions, etc.).
  • The person is repaying a large debt through labour or sex.
  • The person seems fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, or nervous/paranoid. They may avoid eye contact, seem fearful around police, etc.
  • The person shows signs of abuse, such as bruising, cigarette burns, fractures, etc.
  • The person has tattooing or branding symbols, particularly names.
  • The person doesn’t have their own things or money, and doesn’t control their own passport or other documents.
  • The person seems malnourished or lacks medical care.
  • The person is moved frequently and may not know their surroundings well.
  • The person has been reported missing.