.png?width=150&height=75&name=Website%20Photos%20300x150%20(1).png "Website Photos 300x150 (1)")
You know that feeling when someone tells you something and it just doesn't make sense? Or they tell you something and the hairs on the back of your neck stand up?
This week a camp counselor reached out to our team because she had that gut feeling that the story one of her campers had told her just didn't seem right. This woman saw something, and said something. She recounted the details and wove together enough facts to bring to our team.
Coordinating with local law enforcement, a group of elementary aged children were rescued just before they walked into a trafficking situation. These precious children are safe. Now, law enforcement continues to follow leads as a result of one person knowing the signs of trafficking and saying something.
Signs of Trafficking:
Signs of physical abuse
Unexplained absences from class
Inappropriately dressed
Sexualized behavior
Overly tired in class
Withdrawn, depressed, distracted or checked out
Brags about making or having lots of money
Displays expensive clothes, accessories or shoes
New tattoo (Tattoos of a name, symbol of money or barcode could indicate trafficking)
Older boyfriend or new friends with a different lifestyle
Talks about wild parties or invites other students to attend parties
Shows signs of gang affiliation
If you ever find yourself in a situation where you believe someone could be or is being trafficked, please call local law enforcement or contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline:
National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888
Text "help" or "info" to #BEFREE (#233733)
Submit a Tip online
You have the power to protect the vulnerable in our community before they are victimized. You have the power to truly make a difference by simply knowing the signs of trafficking and reporting it.