Know What to Look for to Stop Modern Slavery

PrintHuman trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons or modern-day slavery, is a crime that involves the exploitation of a person for the purpose of compelled sex or labor. This form of slavery affects millions of people around the world every day. Human trafficking is even happening in the community of Southern Arizona.

Human trafficking includes:

Sex Trafficking: A commercial sex act induced by force, threats of force, fraud, or coercion — or in which a minor* is induced to engage a commercial sex act.

Labor Trafficking: Labor or services of a person obtained through force, threats of force, fraud, coercion, threats of serious harm to another person, abuse or threats of abuse of law or legal process or any scheme, plan or pattern intended to cause a person to believe serious harm would result if labor or services were not provided.

Victims of human trafficking can be anyone, though those who are particularly vulnerable to trafficking include children, runaways, victims of domestic violence, individuals with histories of abuse, and foreign nationals. There are many barriers to someone identifying as a victim of human trafficking often due to fear, shame, and in some instances, danger.

*Any person under the age of 18 who is engaged in commercial sex acts,
regardless of the use of force, fraud, or coercion, is a victim of human trafficking, even if they appear to consent to the commercial sex act.

Trafficking May Occur in These Types of Settings:

    • Prostitution
    • Pornography
    • Stripping
    • Escorts
    • Brothels
    • Domestic Servitude
    • Construction
    • Agriculture
    • Nail salons
    • Hotel housekeeping
    • Poverty

Recognize the Signs:
Signs of human trafficking are all around us. It is
important to know what to look for so that you can report human trafficking. You may be able to identify a victim of trafficking if they exhibit one or more of
the following:

  • Poor health and the inability to seek care for health concerns
  • Visible injuries such as bruises, scars, or burns
  • Visible tattoos that could be branding marks
  • Carries excess amount of cash
  • Has hotel room keys
  • Unable to leave their home or work without approval
  • Exhibits fear, anxiety and/or depression
  • Has false identification or multiple forms of ID
  • Seems unfamiliar with their surroundings
  • Has distrust for authorities
  • Does not know their home address
  • Allows others to speak for them when addressed directly
  • Receives little or no payment for work

Resources:

National Human Trafficking Resource Center (Hotline)
1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” or “INFO” to 233733

For additional information & training or to participate in the Southern Arizona Anti-Trafficking Unified Response Network (SAATURN), please contact us at (520) 837-2775 or email us at SAATURN@tucsonaz.gov.

For assistance with shelter or referrals to emergency services or to seek treatment for trauma, mental health or addiction, please call CODAC Health, Recovery & Wellness at (520) 327-4505 ext. 4169

To report to law enforcement, call 911, the SAATURN Hotline (520) 837-2775, or the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) at 1-866-347-2423.

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678)

Click here to view the Resource Guide for survivors of Human Trafficking.

For a list of resources available in Cochise County, click here.