When you
Suspect,
Speak
Welcome to our resource page for truckers on identifying and reporting human trafficking.
YOU CAN END
HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Truckers are the eyes and ears of our highways. With your extensive travel, you may notice unusual activities that others might miss. Your role is crucial in spotting and reporting potential human trafficking, making our roads and communities safer.
WHAT IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING?
Human Trafficking is a crime that involves force, fraud, or coercion to obtain commercial sex or labor services.
Note: Minors engaging in commercial sex with another party (a buyer) is trafficking. No third-party control is required, thus the “trafficker” in this case is not receiving a “profit” but is giving the minor something of value in exchange for sex.
TYPES OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING
Sex Trafficking: Sex trafficking involves recruiting, harboring, transporting, or obtaining a person for commercial sex through force, fraud, or coercion. In Louisiana, a minor or youth (under 21 years old) exchanging sex acts for anything of value is a victim, regardless of force, fraud, and coercion or third-party control. Victims can be of any age, gender, or nationality.
Labor Trafficking: Labor trafficking involves recruiting, harboring, transporting, or obtaining a person for labor through force, fraud, or coercion. It occurs in industries like agriculture, construction, and domestic work, with victims often facing inhumane conditions, withheld wages, and threats of violence. In a labor trafficking situation, a victim may fear that the trafficker will hurt them, hurt someone they love, or report them to the police if they speak up about their abuse.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING VS. HUMAN SMUGGLING
Human Trafficking: Human trafficking is the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for purposes like forced labor or commercial sex. It involves manipulating victims for profit, often against their will, and can occur within or across borders.
Human Smuggling: Human smuggling is the illegal transportation of individuals across borders, typically with their consent, in exchange for payment. It focuses on moving people from one location to another, without the intention of exploiting them after the journey.
HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN LOUISIANA
High Incidence: Louisiana has one of the highest rates of human trafficking in the United States.
Victims: In recent years, hundreds of cases involving both sex and labor trafficking have been reported in the state.
Reporting: Each year in Louisiana, hundreds of victims of all ages, genders, and ethnicities have been identified as human trafficking victims. In 2023, 1,743 victims of human trafficking were reported as receiving services. 84% of victims reported identified as female. 86% of victims reported were identified as sex trafficking victims. 83% of victims were under the age of 18 years old. For more information on human trafficking data in Louisiana, visit https://www.alliesagainstslavery.org/lighthouse-data-louisiana.
Awareness: Increased awareness and training have led to a rise in reported cases, showing that vigilance and education are key in combating this crime.
Know the
Signs
LACK OF ID OR DL*
Individuals may not have access to their own identification documents, such as passports, driver's licenses, or social security cards, which can indicate control by a trafficker.
RESTRICTED OR CONTROLLED COMMUNICATION*
Victims might have limited or monitored communication with others, preventing them from seeking help or freely expressing themselves.
PHYSICAL ABUSE OR MALNOURISHMENT*
Visible injuries, bruises, or signs of neglect, such as malnourishment or poor hygiene, can be indicators of physical abuse and exploitation. If you see evidence of physical or sexual abuse or any other crime, please report to 911.
SOLICITATION OF CHILD/YOUTH*
The solicitation of a child or youth for commercial sex is human trafficking. The child may be by themselves, homeless, or accompanied by other youth. Immediately report to law enforcement if you suspect commercial sexual activity of a child or youth. Remember, there is no such thing as a child prostitute - the child is a victim of human trafficking.
UNUSUAL SECURITY MEASURES*
Traffickers often use excessive security measures, such as keeping windows covered, multiple locks, or constant surveillance, to control their victims.
APPEAR TO LIVE AT THEIR WORKPLACE*
Labor trafficking victims may be required to work and live at the same location. This is how traffickers limit their freedom of movement.
*The presence of one or more of these indicators does not necessarily mean a trafficking situation is occurring.
Know the
Signs
LACK OF ID OR DL*
Individuals may not have access to their own identification documents, such as passports, driver's licenses, or social security cards, which can indicate control by a trafficker.
RESTRICTED OR CONTROLLED COMMUNICATION*
Victims might have limited or monitored communication with others, preventing them from seeking help or freely expressing themselves.
PHYSICAL ABUSE OR MALNOURISHMENT*
Visible injuries, bruises, or signs of neglect, such as malnourishment or poor hygiene, can be indicators of physical abuse and exploitation. If you see evidence of physical or sexual abuse or any other crime, please report to 911.
SOLICITATION OF CHILD/YOUTH*
The solicitation of a child or youth for commercial sex is human trafficking. The child may be by themselves, homeless, or accompanied by other youth. Immediately report to law enforcement if you suspect commercial sexual activity of a child or youth. Remember, there is no such thing as a child prostitute - the child is a victim of human trafficking.
UNUSUAL SECURITY MEASURES*
Traffickers often use excessive security measures, such as keeping windows covered, multiple locks, or constant surveillance, to control their victims.
APPEAR TO LIVE AT THEIR WORKPLACE*
Labor trafficking victims may be required to work and live at the same location. This is how traffickers limit their freedom of movement.
*The presence of one or more of these indicators does not necessarily mean a trafficking situation is occurring.
Report human trafficking
Report
human
trafficking
DO NOT CONFRONT THE SUSPECTED TRAFFICKER
- Prioritize safety when encountering suspected human trafficking.
- Avoid directly confronting traffickers to prevent escalation and risk.
- Gather information discreetly.
- Contact authorities promptly to report the situation. Use dedicated hotlines and emergency services for human trafficking reports.
- 24/7 assistance available with trained professionals, local resources and law enforcement connections.
- Dial 911 in emergencies.
Description
Note any distinguishing features such as physical appearance, clothing, tattoos, or behavior of both the suspected trafficker and potential victims.
Vehicle
Take note of the make, model, color, and license plate of any vehicles involved.
Location
Record the exact location of the suspected trafficking activity.
Time
Record the exact time of the suspected trafficking activity.
Vehicle
Take note of the make, model, color, and license plate of any vehicles involved.
Description
Note any distinguishing features such as physical appearance, clothing, tattoos, or behavior of both the suspected trafficker and potential victims.
Location
Record the exact location of the suspected trafficking activity.
Time
Record the exact time of the suspected trafficking activity.
