Telltale Signs of Human Trafficking
While there is a plethora of indicators that depict the possibility of human trafficking taking place in your neighbourhood,[1]below are a few general signs to look out for:
- Is there significant traffic in and out of a house in your neighbourhood? Do the occupants look programmed against their will? Pay attention to the hygienic condition of the children if there are any.
- Are there people in your area who do not seem to have a sense of their surrounding?
- People who are not allowed to speak for themselves, are followed or even have their IDs or passports confiscated.
- People with bruises or injuries from physical or sexual abuse.
- People showing mental health issues like being fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense or paranoid. Watch for signs of drug or alcohol abuse and addiction.
- Do the females show over attachment to their “boss” who could be a pimp, drug supplier or even a “lover boy”? [2]
- People who are forced to work with very little or no pay.
How the church can respond
Be the good neighbour, who stops to help those who are caught up in adversities such as human trafficking or modern slavery. Luke 10:30-37.
Report any suspicious incidences to the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010.
[1] https://www.canadiancentretoendhumantrafficking.ca/signs-of-human-trafficking/
[2] https://deliverfund.org/blog/5-signs-of-human-trafficking-in-your-neighborhood/