Human trafficking is a horrifying reality that generates billions of dollars annually. Shockingly, an estimated 40 million people are enslaved worldwide, with around 25% of them being children. While these numbers are staggering, the gap between the stories portrayed in the media and the hidden reality in our communities is vast.

Many of us have seen movies like Taken or Sound of Freedom and TV shows that depict human trafficking. While these stories bring attention to the issue, they don’t accurately portray it. According to Homeland Security, less than 0.5% of trafficking cases involve kidnappings; the majority involve traffickers grooming, manipulating, and gradually building trust with their victims. In many cases, labor trafficking can look like people simply going to work, blending seamlessly into everyday life. The challenge in recognizing this insidious crime lies in our preconceived notions of what trafficking looks like when, in reality, it can be right in front of us — hidden in plain sight.

Recognizing the Signs

Consider the challenge of interpreting subtle signs like the nail technician who avoids eye contact, the housekeeper with visible bruises, the construction worker who seems perpetually distracted, or the teenage girl who lingers at the same convenience store every day with a sadness that never lifts. These are just a few examples of how trafficking can silently infiltrate our everyday lives, making it incredibly difficult to discern the hidden realities unfolding behind the scenes.

Here are some signs to watch for. While these behaviors alone do not necessarily indicate trafficking, they could warrant further observation or reporting if you notice a pattern or if something doesn’t feel right:

• Fearful or Anxious Behavior: If someone appears constantly looking over their shoulder or seems afraid when there’s no apparent threat, it could be a red flag.
• Aggressive or Combative Behavior: While we all have bad days, a person who reacts with extreme anger or frustration over minor things might be exhibiting signs of trauma or control.
• Withdrawn vs. Shy: The expression of shyness in children, like hiding behind a parent’s leg, is expected. But it could signify something more sinister when someone pulls away from everyone — friends, family, school, and activities they once loved — without an apparent reason.
• Lack of Eye Contact: While in many cultures, it’s common to exchange glances, smiles, or nods with people we pass, in some cultures, avoiding eye contact is normal and should not be misunderstood. However, if a neighbor’s child consistently avoids eye contact or someone in a store seems unable to look up or speak for themselves, it might indicate they’re being controlled. It’s crucial to approach these situations with cultural sensitivity.
• Another Person “In Control”: Picture a public place where one person is clearly in charge while the other is disengaged, silent and avoids eye contact. This imbalance of power can be a subtle but powerful indicator of exploitation.

What Can You Do?

Let me share a personal experience. Once, I was in a small grocery store in Washington, D.C., when I noticed a man verbally abusing a woman, who I assumed was his partner. His words were degrading, and his anger palpable. As I passed them, he shot me a look that sent chills down my spine. I found the store manager and expressed my concern. He called the police while I tried to keep an eye on the couple. The woman trailed behind him, head down, as if making eye contact would worsen her situation. I regret not staying until the police arrived; I could have been a witness for her. While I took one step, fear held me back from doing more.

The challenge in recognizing this insidious crime lies in our preconceived notions of what trafficking looks like when, in reality, it can be right in front of us—hidden in plain sight.

It’s natural to want to avoid confrontation, not to rock the boat. But sometimes, someone’s life could be on the line, and we must act despite our fears. Here are some steps you can take to muster the courage to intervene:

Safety and Reporting Tips

When we train young people, we advise them to Stop, Talk, Report. The same principle applies here:

1. Pay Attention: Pause and assess your surroundings. Is something unusual happening?
2. Find Another Person: If you’re unsure or feel unsafe, share your concerns with a store manager, attendant or another person if law enforcement is not readily available.
3. Make the Call: If you suspect something is wrong, don’t hesitate to call a hotline or 911. Below are some national hotlines available 24/7. When in doubt, act. The “See Something, Say Something” campaign is crucial, and we encourage you to take it further — Do something. Speak up, check-in and make the call. Your actions could save a life.
   • Domestic Violence Hotline: 800-799-7233
   • National Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888
   • Emergency: 911
   • Suicide Hotline: 988
   • Missing Kids Hotline: 800-843-5678

Conclusion

This list is not exhaustive, but it’s a start. We encourage you to seek out local resources, save these numbers on your phone, and trust your instincts when something doesn’t feel right. By acting, you could make a difference and help break the cycle of human trafficking.

Remember, it only takes one person to disrupt the cycle of exploitation. Will you be that person?