A Trafficking Epidemic

Selling people for money is a multi-billion dollar industry, and Oklahoma has become a predator’s playground.

How are victims being trafficked?

  • False Job Ad

    Recruited to work for a false job that was used to solicit victims.

  • Abducted

    Abducted and threatened punishment if she tries to escape.

  • Boyfriend

    “Boyfriend” control. Pushes her to sell herself to make him money.

  • Lured

    Lured by promises of money, clothes, material possessions.

  • Relocated

    Moved around the country to avoid authorities and keep her isolated.

  • Sold

    Kids as young as 12 sold by their parents for drug money.

since 2012

THE SPRING HAS HELPED WOMEN BREAK FREE FROM THE DARKNESS OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING.

Signs of Human Trafficking

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.

LACK OF OFFICIAL IDENTIFICATION

They are not in possession of their identification or legal documents.

SIGNS OF PHYSICAL ABUSE

The person may have bruises in various stages of healing. Victims of human trafficking are often beaten in areas that will not damage their appearance.

CONTROLLED BY ANOTHER PERSON

The victim is often accompanied by a controlling person. They lack personal possessions and often does not have a stable living situation.

UNFAMILIAR WITH THE NATIVE LANGUAGE

If a victim is from another country and does not speak the local language or they may only know sex-related or labor-related words.

BAD HEALTH AND MALNUTRITION

Victims often suffer from poor nutrition or poor health, including physical injuries, infections, gastrointestinal conditions, and others.

SIGNS OF DEPENDENCE

They do not speak or act on their own behalf, but instead defer someone who seems to be in control of the situation and the person’s response or actions.

CONTROLLED MOVEMENT

They are transported to or from work, or live and work at the same place. There are unreasonable security measures that limit movement.

SUBSTANCE ABUSE

Often, victims may show signs of drug use or addiction. They can be forced into using drugs so the victim becomes numb to enslavement.

FEARFUL, DEPRESSED, AND SUBMISSIVE BEHAVIOR

Person may appear disconnected from family, friends, and houses of worship. They are not free to leave or come and go at will.

***This list was compiled from several sources. 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.

IF YOU SUSPECT IT, REPORT IT.

It's not easy to know what to do when someone you love is in an abusive relationship or you see a stranger who might need help. If you would like to brainstorm with an advocate how best to help a possible victim, give us a call.