Human Trafficking Resources

About

Human trafficking is the use of force, fraud or coercion to control a person for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or soliciting labor or services against their will. If the individual is under 18 years of age, force, fraud, or coercion need not be present, if engaging in commercial sex. Human trafficking is a crime under international and federal law and also the State of Michigan. 

Warning Signs

Learn some of the warning signs of Human Trafficking

  • Avoids eye contact and appears fearful
  • Brags about making or having lots of money
  • Cutting
  • Displays expensive clothes, accessories or shoes
  • Checked out, Depressed, Distracted or Withdrawn
  • Evidence of mental or physical abuse
  • Less appropriately dressed than before
  • Multiple cell phones
  • New tattoo (tattoos are often used as a way to brand victims. Tattoos of a barcode, money, name or symbol could indicate trafficking)
  • New friends or older partner with a different lifestyle
  • Overly tired in class
  • Sexualized behavior
  • Unexplained absences from class

How to Help

Speak Up if you see something suspicious

  • Call 911 immediately, if you witness a trafficking situation
  • Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888

Additional Resources

Michigan Department of Health and Human Services

Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP)

Wayne County Prosecutor's Office Sexual Assault Team


human trafficking hotline