Hot Topics     Home and Family     Women's Health     Teen Health    

Learn the signs of human trafficking



Reporting your suspicions may save a life

Learn the signs of human trafficking


In 2018, 492 cases of human trafficking were reported in New York State, possibly the tip of an iceberg. Women represented 68.9 percent of this number, while 27.4 percent were under 18. In 73 percent of the cases, prostitution was involved.

The Orange County Safe Homes program distributes flyers explaining the mechanisms of trafficking and signs that suggest a young person is being trafficked. At the end of this article are several ways to offer confidential reports to agencies that can help rescue people from trafficking situations.

Among the influences that prevent victims from leaving their abusers are fear, trauma, drug addiction, threats against families, and a lack of options due to poverty and homelessness.

Some traffickers use more subtle methods of trapping and controlling people, such as isolation, confiscating identification documents, threatening to shame the victim by exposing humiliating circumstances to their family, threatening imprisonment or deportation if the victim contacts authorities, debt bondage, and controlling the victim's money.

Someone may be a victim of sex trafficking if they:

  • Check into hotels/motels with older males and refers to those males as boyfriend or “daddy,” which is often street slang for a pimp
  • Has a history of multiple runaways or homelessness
  • Does not attend school or is frequently absent
  • Suddenly has large amounts of cash
  • Has visible signs of physical abuse, such as bruising, scars, or hearing loss.
  • Shows shame, humiliation, anxiety
  • submissiveness, or disorientation.
  • Appears malnourished, fatigued, or exhausted.
  • Avoids eye contact, social interaction, and authority figures/law enforcement
  • Seems to adhere to scripted or rehearsed responses in social interactions
  • Appears destitute/lacking personal possessions
  • Has poor physical or dental health
  • Has tattoos/branding on the neck and/or lower back.
  • Is not allowed to go into public alone or speak for her/himself.

The presence or absence of any of these indicators is not necessarily proof of human trafficking but may alert you to a potential human trafficking situation. Also see our article, “Human trafficking happens even in upstate New York.”

If you need help or suspect someone of being trafficked contact:

Safe Homes Orange County Confidential 24/7 Crisis Hotline, 845-562-5340

National Human Trafficking Hotline, 888-373-7888

Ulster County Safe Harbor, https://ulstercountyny.gov/social-services/safe-harbour-program



Other articles by HVP News Reporters


  • What parents should know about Pediatric Growth Hormone Deficiency (PGHD)

    Pediatric growth hormone deficiency (GHD) is a relatively rare condition, affecting an estimated 1 in 4,000-10,000 children. read more »
  • Simplify summer with light lunches

    Bright, crunchy cucumbers are the star of this sammy

    Take the hassle out of lunch with these Cucumber Sandwiches that can be made in advance for afternoon pick-me-ups. read more »
  • Thinking about renovating?

    Check with your building department first

    From updating an outdated kitchen to adding a home office, home renovations can be exciting. Before you dive in, it’s critical to understand the local safety requirements that impact your projects. read more »
  • Your home safety checklist

    Simple steps to keep a safer, happier space

    Your home is more than just a place to live, it’s where you create memories, unwind and feel most comfortable. Yet, many household items and systems can hide potential safety risks. read more »
  • 4,000 reasons to love bees

    These little pollinators are essential to our food supply

    While most people picture the beloved honeybee when they think about bees, North America actually has 4,000 species of native bees, many of which are busy right now. read more »
  • Laying the foundation for writing

    What you can do to get them started

    Learning to write is one of the defining milestones of early childhood, but it doesn’t happen all at once. read more »
  • Choose play every day

    How to transform everyday activities into playful learning opportunities

    Play is a universal language spoken by people of all ages. Through play, children learn to forge connections with others, build a wide range of leadership skills, develop resilience, conquer fears and navigate relationships and social challenges. read more »
  • Find Your Adventure - June Outdoor Happenings

    Celebrate Get Outdoors & Get Together Day!

    Free events across the state to try a new skill and enjoy the outdoors at Get Outdoors & Get Together Day, a day of inclusion for all people at New York’s accessible Parks and DEC lands. read more »
  • Save a life from stroke

    Tips from the American Stroke Association

    Strokes can happen to anyone, at any age – even young people. Despite being one of the leading causes of death and long-term disability in the United States, strokes are largely preventable, treatable and beatable – if you can control your risk factors. read more »
  • Take steps now to protect your vision

    Regular eye exams are the best thing you can do

    Your quality of life and overall well-being depend on developing healthy habits. These practices are essential to your eye health. read more »