5 WAYS TO HELP STOP HUMAN TRAFFICKING IN YOUR COMMUNITY
Jan 27, 2026
LEARN THE REAL WARNING SIGNS
Fighting human trafficking starts with awareness and community level action. Because traffickers often rely on isolation, the most effective way to stop them is to build a community where people are connected, informed, and proactive.
Human trafficking is often hidden in plain sight. Learn the warning signs such as:
- Control over a person’s movement, finances or identification.
- Third party speaking – When asked a question do they look to someone else to answer or seek permission to speak?
- Rehearsed Stories – Answers sound scripted, or their story has many inconsistencies.
- Hypervigilance – Being unusually fearful, anxious, or paranoid, especially around law enforcement.
- Lack of eye Contact
- Submissiveness
Warning Signs in Children & Teens
- Unexplained Wealth: Suddenly having new sneakers, expensive electronics, designer clothes, or manicures that they (or their parents) didn’t pay for.
- Older “Boyfriend”: Talking about a much older romantic partner or “sponsor” who provides them with gifts or travel.
- Chronic Runnings Away: Frequent unexplained absences from school or disappearing for days at a time.
- Multiple Phones: Having two or more cell phones or frequently changing their phone number.
REPORT SUSPICIOUS ACTIVITY SAFELY
If something feels wrong, trust your instincts. You do not need proof to report suspected trafficking. Save the National Human Trafficking Hotline (https://humantraffickinghotline.org/en) phone number 1-888-373-7888 in your phone contacts. You can also text HELP to 233733. Many trafficking cases come to light because a bystander trusted their instincts and reported concerns to trained professionals who could investigate safely.
SUPPORT SURVIVORS, NOT MYTHS
To support survivors effectively, we have to move past “movie version” myths and look at the reality of how exploitation actually works. Support organizations that help all survivors, including labor trafficking and male-specific services. When advocating, use gender-neutral language to ensure that men and LGBTQ+ survivors feel they have a “seat at the table” for help. Support organizations that focus on safety, dignity, and long-term recovery such as housing, medical, legal assistance and counseling. Survivors need stability, not rescue narratives.
STRENGTHEN COMMUNITY SAFETY NETS
Trafficking thrives where people lack stability. You can help by:
- Supporting programs for homeless youth.
- Donate to food, housing and employment assistance. Note: Shelters ofter need new clothes, high quality toiletries and gift cards to grocery stores.
- Volunteering with organizations serving abuse survivors.
Educate others & help survivors rebuild
- Share accurate information with friends, schools, workplaces, and faith communities.
- Offer professional skills: Survivors often have “fraudulent” credit or criminal records due to their trafficking. If you are a lawyer or accountant, pro-bono work to clear records or fix credit is life changing.
- Support Vocational Training: Economic independence is the #1 way to prevent re-trafficking. Support businesses that provide survivor-informed hiring and job training.
Stopping human trafficking starts in your own community
For legal guidance, survivor advocacy or to learn more about how ASK LLP supports trafficking prevention and survivors’ rights, contact Judie Suanders
