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Understanding Victims ofHuman TraffickingUnderstanding the mindset of human traffickingvictims is important to helping them restoretheir lives.Consider the following points when helpingsomeone who could be a victim of human trafficking:• Most victims do not speak English and do not

understand American culture

• Most victims do not know what city or 

country they are in because they are oftenforced to move

• Most victims have a strong sense of distrust

because they fear deportation

• Most victims do not see themselves as victims

and do not realize what is being done to themis wrong

Confidentiality is vital for victims of 

human trafficking. Enlist the help of

a staff member who speaks the

victim’s language and understands the 

victim’s culture.

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

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 ormigrant 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 may look like many of thepeople coming to your organization for assistanceeveryday. Victims are young children, teenagers,men and women. By looking beneath the surfaceand asking yourself these questions, you can help identify potential victims:• Is the person accompanied by another 

person who seems controlling (possibly the trafficker)?

• Can you detect any physical or psychological

abuse? 

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

communicating because of language orcultural barriers?

• Does the person have any identification?

Gaining the trust of a victim of human 

trafficking is an important first step 

in providing assistance.

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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

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Human Trafficking isModern-Day Slavery

Identifying Victims of Human Trafficking