Recognizing human trafficking

Human trafficking is exploitation through force, fraud, or coercion — for labor or sex.
It can happen anywhere. To anyone. Often by someone the victim knows.
Recognizing the common signs of human trafficking is the first step in identifying possible victims.

WORKING CONDITIONS

Verbal or physical abuse from a “supervisor”
Excessively long or unusual hours
Appears to live at their place of work
Receives little to no pay
No control of their own passport or identity documents

SIGNS IN YOUNG VICTIMS

Unexplained absences or overly tired
Brags about money
New, unexplained expensive gifts
New tattoos and/or style
Older dating partner or new friends with different lifestyles

BEHAVIORS IN VICTIMS

Fearful, anxious, depressed, or submissive
Avoids eye contact
Particularly nervous around certain people
Defers questions to someone else
Suffers from sleep or eating disorder
Feels helpless, shame, or guilt

APPEARANCE OF VICTIMS

Obvious signs of abuse such as bruises, burns, or broken bones
Untreated chronic illness or health issues
Appears Malnourished

Know the signs.
Stop the crime.

Human trafficking victims are often unable to speak due to surveillance or fear of retaliation. This international hand signal allows victims to silently alert others in their surrounding that they are in danger and need help.

To make the hand signal, you hold your hand up with the palm facing outward, tuck your thumb
into the palm, fold your fingers down over the thumb, then unfolding your fingers over the thumb.

If you see this hand signal repeated by someone, please do not approach them. It could be dangerous for you and the victim. You should immediately contact law enforcement or local authorities.

Human trafficking victims often hide in plain sight. Knowing what it is, is the first step to ending it.

LEARN MORE

Human trafficking in SWLA

Calcasieu Parish is currently in the top ten highest cases category in Louisiana. Top 5 with its location between two major cities on the I-10 corridor, Calcasieu Parish is considered a hot spot for human trafficking.

Keep in mind that human trafficking is significantly under reported in Louisiana.

total individuals were served in 2024.

individuals were confirmed or suspected victims.

How we can all address it

The Alliance to Fight Human Trafficking in Southwest Louisiana seeks to create a community where every individual is valued and respected.

Our vision is to support a working partnership between victim service groups, other nongovernmental organizations, and law enforcement to end human trafficking in Southwest Louisiana.

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