Human Trafficking Resources

1 Human Trafficking is the recruitment, harboring, transporting, or procurement of a person for labor or services for the purpose of involuntary servitude, slavery, or forced commercial sex acts.. -Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force This section addresses factors indicating a child is at risk for sexual abuse, sex Trafficking , or other maltreatment defined as abuse or neglect as outlined by Texas Family Code section RISK FACTORS. According to the report, Human Trafficking in America's Schools, though there is no standard profile of a child- Trafficking victim, several risk factors make certain children more susceptible. The average age a child is recruited or forced into prostitution is11-14 years old.

2 Characteristics or Experiences that May Increase Risk Individual Relationship History of child abuse, neglect, or exploitation Family conflict, disruption, or dysfunction In a new unfamiliar country or location Unhealthy social relationships Runaway Peer pressure to engage in risky behavior Stigma and discrimination Social isolation Disability Lack of long-term connections or sense of belonging Mental illness/mental health Family and friends living elsewhere Homeless Self-esteem not supported Low self-esteem Gang affiliation Truancy Poverty or limited Resources Delinquency Language barriers Substance abuse Distrust of authority Foster care Adolescent development LGBTQ youths can be up to five times more likely to be victims Community Societal Reluctance to believe Trafficking occurs in the community Biases against Human

3 Trafficking victims No clear understanding of Human Trafficking Stigmas against prostitution No dedicated Resources to identify victims or provide services Prevalence of sexual violence Limited community Resources to assist at-risk populations Racism/racial inequality Gang presence Glamorization of pimp culture Lack of school Resources to provide prevention or referral Children viewed as property or commodities programs Apathy toward homeless and runaway youth Social norms WARNING SIGNS indicating a child may be a victim of sexual abuse, sex Trafficking , or other maltreatment Physical Behavioral Malnourishment Victim has an older friend (appears fearful of him or her). Burns, cuts, or bruises a boyfriend or girlfriend who is noticeably older and/or controlling Sexually transmitted infections Provocative pictures posted online or stored on the phone Bald spots Social interaction and schedule being strictly controlled by someone Rotting teeth else Other indicators of poor health Lack of control over a personal schedule and/or identification or travel Pregnancy or history of pregnancy documents Signs of drug addiction Uncharacteristic promiscuity (young age with high number of sex Sudden change in personal hygiene partners).

4 An attempt to conceal scars, tattoos, or bruises Victim has low self-esteem (often with makeup) Multiple phones or social media accounts Branding tattoos displaying a bar code, any symbol Frequent travel for the pimp, or the name or moniker of a trafficker, Distrustful of law enforcement, disrespectful or indifferent toward such as daddy authority Large amounts of cash on hand Isolation from family, friends, and community New or pre-paid cell phones Withdrawn behavior, shyness, depression, anxiety, fear, or Refillable gift cards nervousness Motel keys/cards in the victim's possession Inability to bond with others Sexually provocative clothing Fear of social interaction Sudden appearance of luxury items from unknown Inattention or forgetfulness sources (designer clothes, purses, shoes, hair styles, An overly submissive attitude makeup, manicures, etc.)

5 Sudden change of behavior A sudden change in attire, behavior, or relationships Avoids eye contact Hyperarousal or symptoms of anger, panic, phobia, irritability, hyperactivity, frequent crying, temper tantrums, regressive behavior, and/or clinging behavior Verbal Academic Inconsistent stories involving work, injuries, Declining grades whereabouts, or home life Truancy or unexplained absences Coached or rehearsed responses to questions Frequent tardiness Lying about the existence of social media accounts Frequent changes in schools References made to frequent travel to other cities Tiredness throughout daytime; falling asleep in class Peer conversations about older boyfriends Social media usage or internet browsing history related to sexual Comments about leaving to meet someone they met advertising online Rumors about someone offering a place where youth can party or live Uses sexual terminology beyond age-specific norms Changes in usual activities, habits, friend groups, vocabulary, demeanor, Use of street language/ Trafficking -related language attitude, or economic circumstances Additional behavioral indicators for labor Trafficking .

6 Being unpaid, paid very little, or paid only through tips Being employed but not having a school-authorized work permit Being employed and having a work permit but clearly working outside the permitted hours for students Owing a large debt and being unable to pay it off Not being allowed breaks at work or being subjected to excessively long work hours Being overly concerned with pleasing an employer and/or deferring personal or educational decisions to a boss Not being in control of his or her own money Living with an employer or having an employer listed as a student's caregiver A desire to quit a job but not being allowed to do so INTERNAL PROCEDURES FOR SEEKING ASSISTANCE.

7 For a child who is at risk for sexual abuse, sex Trafficking , or other maltreatment Under Texas law all individuals are required to report suspected abuse or neglect. Reports must be made to law enforcement or the Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS). Your report cannot be delegated to a superior, administrator, or other individual. If the situation is an emergency or you believe someone is in immediate danger: Call 911 and alert the authorities. Tell them you think it may be Human Trafficking , so that it can be routed to the proper investigators. If the situation is NOT an emergency and no one is in immediate danger: Cases involving abuse or neglect at the hands of a traditional caregiver may be investigated by Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS) at 1-800-252-5400, or online: They have victim advocates who specialize in Human Trafficking stationed across the state.

8 All other cases must be handled by a law enforcement agency. Call a non-emergency number and ask to speak to someone who works on Trafficking cases. After contacting law enforcement, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. The hotline is staffed 24/7 with people trained in recognizing and identifying Trafficking . They can help you make sense of the information that you have and recommend next steps. You can also text "Help" or "Info" to 233733 or email the hotline at If a Child Makes an Outcry Make sure you and victim are safe. Remain Calm. Assure the child that they did the right thing in telling you and that they are not to blame for the abuse. Do not make promises about what will happen to them or the trafficker.

9 Let the child tell their story, but leave the questioning to the professionals. Never confront the suspected trafficker. Report. Texas law requires reporting to law enforcement and child protective services within 48 hours. Internal Procedures: If You are Unsure If you can safely obtain more information, do so. Talk with the individual in a private setting that is non- threatening if you have the type of relationship that allows you to have that conversation comfortably. If you have a concern that such a conversation would put you or that person in danger, then make the call to report instead. Call the Office of the Attorney General at 512-463-1646 or email at The Office of the Attorney General has law enforcement officers specifically trained to combat and investigate Human Trafficking around the state in the Human Trafficking and Transnational/Organized Crime Section.

10 For Additional Assistance Contact: (operated by Texas Department of Public Safety). Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Provide tips or leads on suspected child sexual exploitation crimes to CyberTipline at or 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678). Texas Abuse Hotline at 800-252-5400. Resources . Familiarize yourself with established organizations in your area which offer training opportunities. National Human Trafficking Resource Center (1-888-373-7888). to get additional information Provide confidential tips Connect with anti- Trafficking services Request training and technical assistance, general information, or specific anti- Trafficking Resources Child Sex Trafficking Team CSTT engages in strategies to protect children.