What Is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery. Human trafficking includes labor trafficking and sex trafficking.

What Are the Signs of Human Trafficking?

Victims of human trafficking are not free to come and go as they please. They work excessively long hours and are either not paid or are paid very little. They are not allowed to control their finances or personal care. They may show fear, anxiousness, depression, or paranoia. Their working and living locations may have high security measures such as boarded up windows or security cameras.

Which Jobs Have the Most Victims of Labor Trafficking?

Labor trafficking occurs most often in domestic work, small “mom and pop” businesses, sales crews, and large-scale labor industries. An individual may be forced or tricked into being an unpaid worker in nail salons, landscaping, restaurants, construction, hospitality, housekeeping, nannying, and in agricultural and factory settings such as garment work and food processing.

Where Is Sex Trafficking Most Prevalent?

Sex trafficking victims are often found at residential brothels, in bars or clubs, through escort services or online ads, or at truck stops.

Are There Any Laws to Protect Human Trafficking Victims?

Yes! In 2014, President Obama signed the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act into law.

Who Can I Contact to Request Help or Report Suspected Human Trafficking?

National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Or text HELP to: BeFree (233733).

Crisis Aid

Hotline / Phone: (888) 740-7779

International Institute of St. Louis

(314) 745-2512

Legal Services of Eastern Missouri, Inc.

Hotline: (314) 256-8756 Phone: (313) 534-4200

Legal Services of Southern Missouri

Referral: (800) 444-4863  Main Line: (417) 881-1397

Legal Services of Southern Missouri – Cape Girardeau

Referral: (800) 444-4863 Main Line: (573) 651-4806

Legal Services of Southern Missouri – Rolla

Referral: (800) 444-4863 Main Line: (573) 341-3655

Legal Services of Southern Missouri – West Plains

Referral: (800) 444-4863 Main Line: (417) 255-0348

Restoration House of Greater Kansas City

(816) 793-0500

The Covering House

Referral: (314) 962-3450 Main Line: (314) 962-3450

Peace at Home Family Shelter

Hotline / Phone: (479) 442-9811