Steps to Reporting

If you are experiencing an emergency situation please contact 911 now.

Report 

If you see something, say something!  

Do you suspect someone is being groomed for trafficking or being trafficked? 

Contact the Human Trafficking Hotline immediately:  

     Dial 888-3737-888 or Text BEFREE or HELP to 233733

Identify

Behaviors and characteristics often seen in traffickers: 

  • Controlling, jealous, and/or violent behavior

  • Can be significantly older

  • Is vague about their profession / no place of business to visit

  • Flashy or extravagant possessions, ie, fancy car, clothes, home, jewelry

  • Has a “us against the world” mentality regarding the relationship

  • Pulls her into his dream

  • Tends to be pushy or demanding about sex

  • Isolates or secludes her from family and friends

  • The “relationship” accelerates quickly towards moving in together or marriage

  • Makes promises that seem too good to be true

  • Encourages inappropriate sexual behavior 

  • Pushes victims to engage in illegal activities to achieve their goals and dreams

  • Creates with the victim a feeling of responsibility for his financial situation

Signs that may indicate an individual is being trafficked:

  • Always tired due to working all night

  • May have signs of physical abuse...bruises, cuts, etc.

  • Has an older boyfriend who doesn’t attend her school

  • Change in friends and/or isolates from friends

  • Has unexplained expensive items: nails done, name brand clothing, jewelry, etc.

  • Runs away again and again

  • Begins missing school or skipping classes

  • Grades drop 

  • Hypersexual behavior 

  • Doesn’t make eye contact in public; looks down

  • Manner of dress is inappropriate 

  • Seems depressed or withdrawn or marked change in personality

  • Has multiple cell phones

  • Brags about making lots of money or traveling out of town 

  • Sports new tattoo (a brand) of his name, initials, or symbol of money

  • Lies about age

  • Shows signs of gang affiliation 

Missing/Runaway Children

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

1-800-843-5678

As the nation’s clearinghouse and comprehensive reporting center for all issues related to the prevention of and recovery from child victimization, NCMEC leads the fight against abduction, abuse, and exploitation – because every child deserves a safe childhood.

The National Runaway Switchboard

1-800-RUNAWAY

The National Runaway Switchboard serves as the federally-designated national communication system for homeless and runaway youth.  NRS, with the support of more than 150 volunteers, handles an average of 100,000 calls annually – more than 3 million calls since the organization’s inception.  Through hotline and online services, NRS provides crisis intervention, referrals to local resources, and education and prevention services to youth, families and community members throughout the country 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.


Kathy Bryan