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Health Problems Common inVictims of Human TraffickingVictims of trafficking may suffer from several physical and psychological problems becausethey are often forced to live and work in dangerous conditions, putting them at greaterrisk for:• Sexually transmitted diseases• Pregnancy, resulting from rape or prostitution• Bruises, scars and other signs of physical abuse 

and torture

• Substance abuse or addictions • Malnourishment and serious dental problems• Infectious diseases like tuberculosis• Undetected or untreated diseases, such as 

diabetes or cancer

• Psychological trauma, including depression, 

stress-related disorders, disorientation, confusion, phobias and panic attacks

Preventive health care for victims of

human trafficking is virtually non-existent,

and health problems are typically not 

treated in their early stages.

Support for Victims ofHuman TraffickingIf you suspect someone is a victim of trafficking, call the Trafficking Information

and Referral Hotline at 1.888.3737.888 to

obtain information and to access supportiveservices through the Trafficking VictimsProtection Act of 2000 (TVPA). This hotline will help victims safely and securelyrebuild their lives by connecting them tobasic services related to:• Housing• Health care• Immigration assistance• Food• Income• Employment• LegalVictims of human trafficking who are non-U.S. citizens are eligible to receive benefits and services through the TVPA tothe same extent as refugees. Victims whoare U.S. citizens are already eligible toreceive many of these benefits.If you think someone is a victim of human trafficking, call the Trafficking Information 

and Referral Hotline:

1.888.3737.888

For more information about 

human trafficking visit

www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking.

U.S. DEPARTMENT OF

HEALTH AND HUMAN SERVICES

Administration for Children and Families
HUMAN

TRAFFICKING

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Human Trafficking isModern-Day Slavery

Identifying Victims of Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery, widespread throughout the UnitedStates today. Trafficking of humans is thesecond largest criminal industry in the worldafter drug dealing, and is the fastest growing.Many victims of trafficking are forced towork in prostitution or sex entertainment.But trafficking also occurs in forms of laborexploitation, such as domestic servitude orrestaurant work, sweatshop factory work or migrant agricultural work.Force, fraud and coercion are the methodsused by traffickers to press victims into livesof servitude and abuse:• Force – Rape, beatings, confinement• Fraud – False offers of employment, 

marriage, better life

• Coercion – Threats, debt-bondage, 

psychological abuse

Victims of trafficking can be found in:• The sex industry• Domestic situations (nannies or servants)• Sweatshop factories• Construction• Farm work• Fisheries• Hotel or tourist industries• Panhandling• Janitorial services• Restaurant services

Victims of trafficking may look like many of thepatients coming to health clinics or emergencyrooms. Victims are young children, teenagers, menand women. By looking beneath the surface andasking yourself these questions, you can helpidentify potential victims:• Is the patient accompanied by another 

person who seems controlling (possibly the trafficker)?

• Can you detect any physical or psychological

abuse? 

• Does the patient seem submissive or fearful?• Does the patient have difficulty

communicating because of language or cultural barriers?

• Does the patient have any identification?

Gaining the trust of a victim of human 

trafficking is an important first step 

in providing assistance.

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