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      What Is Human Trafficking?
      
                
  
          What Is Human Trafficking?


      
        What Is Human Trafficking?
    
    
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      What Is Human Trafficking?
                
                    
                    
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      Report Human Trafficking
                
                    
      
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Human traffickers use various forms of force, fraud, and coercion to control and exploit victims including:

Imposing of debt
	Fraudulent employment opportunities
	False promises of love or a better life
	Psychological coercion
	Violence or threats of violenceCausing someone under the age of 18 to engage in a commercial sex act, regardless of using force, fraud, or coercion, is also human trafficking under U.S. law.

The crime of human trafficking hinges on the exploitation of another person. People often falsely believe “human trafficking” implies victims must be moved from one place to another to be a victim. Human trafficking does not require transportation to be considered a crime. It is a crime that can be committed against an individual who has never left his or her hometown.

You can help play a role in ending human trafficking by learning key indicators of the crime, raising awareness of human trafficking within your community or industry, and reporting suspected trafficking incidents. Individuals working in particular industries or with specific audiences may be more likely to observe human trafficking by nature of their day-to-day job duties or surroundings.  Use the cards below to navigate to Blue Campaign Resources for the following groups:

Law Enforcement
	Convenience Retail Industry Professionals
	Transportation Industry Professionals
	Hospitality Industry Professionals
	Youth Caretakers and Professionals
	Student Leaders
	Faith-Based Community Leaders
      
      Blue Lightning InitiativeImage
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                                                      The Blue Lightning Initiative is an element of the DHS Blue Campaign, led by the Department of Transportation (DOT) and DHS Component Agency, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP).
                                                                          
                      Student and Community LeadersImage
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                                                      Community leaders educate those around them about a variety of issues and topics, including human trafficking.
                                                                          
                      Industry ProfessionalsImage
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                                                      There are several industries that are well-positioned to recognize human trafficking due to being located where human trafficking occurs, the anonymity offered by the nature of the service or product, or their 24/7 operations.
                                                                          
                      Law EnforcementImage
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                                                      Law enforcement officials may encounter a potential victim of human trafficking during the course of their duties, during domestic disturbance calls, when responding to incidents at massage parlors, bars, and strip clubs, or even during routine traffic stops.
                                                                          
                      Work with UsImage
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                                                      This page identifies several ways you or your organization can work with Blue Campaign to raise awareness of human trafficking in your community.
  
    
    TopicsHuman TraffickingKeywordsBlue Campaign
              Human Trafficking
To report suspected human trafficking to Federal law enforcement:Image

	1-866-347-2423
	Para reportar un posible caso de trata de personas:Image

	1-866-347-2423
	To get help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline:Image

	1-888-373-7888

	or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733)
	Obtenga ayuda de la Línea Directa Nacional de Trata de Personas:Image

	1-888-373-7888

	o enviando un mensaje de texto con HELP o INFO a BeFree (233733)

    Last Updated: 05/30/2023
  
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           What Is Human Trafficking?
      
    
                  How You Can Help
      
    
                  Resources
      
    
                  Training
      
    
                  About Blue Campaign
      
    
                  Special Initiatives
      
    
                  Upcoming Events
                            
        Blue Campaign. One Voice. One Mission. End Human Trafficking.
                                              
                Contact Blue Campaign
                                  Report Suspected Human Trafficking:
                                                    1-866-347-2423
                                                                    Get Help from the National Human Trafficking Hotline:
                                                    1-888-373-7888
      
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