Human Trafficking | Bureau of Narcotics and Dangerous Drugs, OK

What is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is the exploitation of vulnerable people (through force, fraud, or coercion) for forced labor, domestic servitude, or commercial sex operations. 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 commercial sex acts.

There is no one profile of a trafficking victim - victims of human trafficking can be anyone. There is also no one profile of a perpetrator. Traffickers can be family members, partners, acquaintances, and even strangers. Traffickers can be pimps, gang members, business owners, labor brokers, and company owners (including owners of farms and factories).

Human Smuggling versus Human Trafficking

Human smuggling is movement of a person (typically across an international border) where there is an agreement between the smuggler and the person being smuggled. When the person reaches their destination, the person being smuggled is free.

Human trafficking is the non-consensual exploitation of vulnerable people (through force, fraud, or coercion) for forced labor, domestic servitude, or commercial sex operations.

Vulnerabilities to Human Trafficking

Victim/survivors of the crime of human trafficking don’t fit one neat description or “profile.” People harmed by human traffickers are as diverse as the entire human race, including any culture, socio-economic status, education level, sexual orientation, or gender.

However, some people who have been trafficked may share some common traits that increase their vulnerability in the eyes of criminals looking for someone to exploit. Traffickers often prey upon people with the following experiences or characteristics by offering to fill some kind of physical and/or emotional need, thereby gaining control over that person.

Common Circumstances in Vulnerable Populations:

Minors
Runaway youth
Low self-esteem, depression
History of sexual abuse, physical abuse, or other trauma
Low income
Parent or guardian has substance abuse issues
Developmental / Cognitive delay
History with Child Protective Services (CPS) / foster care
Marginalized populations: Native, LGBTQ identity, someone who lacks a support system
Those engaged in survival sex

Signs of Human Trafficking

Recognizing key indicators of human trafficking is the first step in identifying victims and can help save a life. Here are some common indicators to help recognize human trafficking.

Lack of Official Identification
- They are not in possession of their identification or legal documents.
Signs of Physical Abuse
- The person may have bruises in various stages of healing. Victims of human trafficking are often beaten in areas that will not damage their appearance.
Controlled by Another Person
- The victim is often accompanied by a controlling person. They lack personal possessions and often does not have a stable living situation.
Unfamiliar with the Native Language
- If a victim is from another country and does not speak the local language or they may only know sex-related or labor-related words.
Signs of Dependence
- They do not speak or act on their own behalf, but instead defer someone who seems to be in control of the situation and the person’s response or actions.
Controlled Movement
- They are transported to or from work, or live and work at the same place. There are unreasonable security measures that limit movement.
Substance Abuse
- Often, victims may show signs of drug use or addiction. They can be forced into using drugs so the victim becomes numb to enslavement.
Fearful, Depressed, and Submissive Behavior
- Person may appear disconnected from family, friends, and houses of worship. They are not free to leave or come and go at will.

What should I do if I suspect someone is the victim of human trafficking?

Never put yourself in harm's way by trying to investigate a crime; however, if you are speaking to someone who you suspect is the victim of human trafficking, you may ask: