Because of language barriers and/or fear of their traffickers and law enforcement, many of the millions of victims of human trafficking don’t seek help, making this a hidden crime. Knowing the different forms of trafficking is a first step in preventing and ending human trafficking in our communities.
Sex Trafficking
harbors, entices, recruits, or transports another individual through force, threat of force, fraud, or coercion with the intent of causing that individual to marry another person, engage in prostitution, or participate in sexual conduct.
Under Federal and Indiana Statute, any individual under the age of 18 who engages in commercial sex (the exchange of a sexual service for something of value) is a victim of sex trafficking. Force, fraud, or coercion need not be proven.
Labor Trafficking
harbors, recruits, provides, obtains, or transports an individual through force, threat of force, coercion, or fraud to engage the individual in labor or services.
Forced Marriage
harbors, entices recruits, or transports another individual through force, threat of force, fraud, or coercion with the intent of causing that individual to marry another person.
Perpetrators are as diverse as survivors when it comes to racial, gender, and ethnic demographics. They include business owners, parents or family members of the survivor, corporate executives, intimate partners, gang members, and government representatives, to name a few.
Do you believe someone is a victim of Human Trafficking?
If they are in immediate danger, call 911.
National Human Trafficking Hotline
Call: 888-373-7888
Text: BeFree (233733) (Text “HELP” or “INFO”)
Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline (Minor victim)
Call: 1-800-800-5556
Use the term “human trafficking” when reporting.
