A Safe Home for survivors of Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery where victims are coerced or forced into sex acts or labor for the financial benefit of traffickers. It is a widespread issue, impacting individuals in communities across the world right in your town, state, and country.

Human trafficking can affect anyone regardless of age, gender, race, or background. Traffickers prey on human vulnerabilities, exploiting individuals who may be in difficult or desperate situations. Vulnerabilities can range from financial hardship, immigration status, and lack of social support, to emotional isolation, low self-esteem, or a desire for a better life.

Traffickers are skilled manipulators who identify these weaknesses and use them to gain control. They may lure victims with promises of jobs, a new life, or a sense of belonging, only to trap them in exploitative situations. They may use physical force and take advantage of a person’s physical vulnerabilities, too. This is why everyone, regardless of their circumstances, is susceptible to trafficking. The truth is that no one is immune vulnerabilities can take many forms, and traffickers are experts at exploiting them.

• Isolation from family, friends, or community
•  Unexplained injuries or signs of physical abuse
• Fearful or submissive behavior, often around a particular individual
• Lack of access to basic necessities, such as food, water, or medical care
• Constant accompaniment by a controlling person
• Living in unsafe or inappropriate conditions
• Inability to make decisions or move freely without permission

For more information on recognizing the signs, visit dhs.gov/blue-campaign.