by Kelli Knight

If you see something, say something. What does that mean to you? Do you even know what to look for to say something? That has been a “catch phrase” for years, and is used for all types of criminal activity. In my opinion, unless clear red flags are attached to an action, such as watching someone testing multiple car door handles in a parking lot or watching someone get separated by a person who has said or shown intentions to be predatory, the phrase can be unspecific and the impact behind it watered down. To me, this is especially true when it comes to human trafficking. 

As you travel along Louisiana’s interstate systems, there are billboards that read, “If you see something, say something,” with no other message or information other than, “Stop Human Trafficking.” How many people actually know what signs or actions are associated with human trafficking? Could this campaign be more effective? For many advocates working with survivors who have been in oppressive relationships and experienced trauma, it’s not a difficult task to recognize signs, as many cases may have cross-over indicators. But, how many people see something that could be an actual red flag, but it goes unnoticed because they don’t realize it’s not normal or they are witnessing a victim unable to flee? How many people think that human trafficking is remote or random and couldn’t possibly be what they are witnessing? As you’ll see, even people in professional positions, can miss the signs.

The state of Louisiana has been gathering data and building resources in regards to human trafficking and in the past several years established the Office of Human Trafficking Prevention which instituted The Human Trafficking Prevention Resource Center. Many are unaware of the excellent website they built which posts valuable and UP-TO-DATE data specific to Louisiana so that visitors can see how prevalent human trafficking is, well, as much as can be determined. Much like sexual assault, it’s assumed that there is under reporting and the number of victims is higher than data reflects. However, the website is very well done and gives a good picture of what modern slavery looks like parish to parish and person to person. They also provide links to other human trafficking resources. The information in this blog comes from their website.

While labor trafficking is an issue, in Louisiana sex trafficking is more commonly seen by more than 70 percent, which is why LaFASA and statewide crisis centers are involved.
First of all, let’s get rid of misconceptions and bust some myths.
Myths vs. Reality
Human Trafficking Only Happens In Other Countries
Reality: Human trafficking can happen in any community, anywhere around the world. In 2021, Louisiana service providers reported 932 instances of confirmed and suspected human trafficking across urban and rural parishes in our state.

Sex trafficking only happens to women or girls.
Reality: Men and boys experience human trafficking too. In 2022, 10% of reported victims in Louisiana identified as male.

Movement is required for trafficking to occur.
Reality: The crime of human trafficking does not require any movement or transporting across state or national borders.

Traffickers are always strangers.
Reality: Many survivors are groomed by people they know, such as romantic partners, family members, and spouses.

Trafficking does not happen in the home.
Reality: Human trafficking can happen in the home such as by family members or friends.

Victim behavior causes trafficking.
Reality: Victims and survivors of human trafficking are groomed and recruited for victimization. Initial consent to commercial sex or labor is not relevant when force, fraud, or coercion is present or the individual is a minor engaging in commercial sex.

Power is always maintained through drugs or physical force.
Reality: Traffickers use many tactics to recruit and keep their victims. Physical force and forced drug use are some ways traffickers maintain power, but not always. Other strong tactics include psychological manipulation, threats of violence, isolation, and economic dependency.

Victims are locked away by their trafficker. 
Reality: Up to 88% of victims report interacting with a professional during their trafficking experience who missed the chance to identify and help them.

‍The last myth is very upsetting knowing that many victims could have been helped. If we want to consider ourselves aware enough to say something, then we must first of all know what is considered conspicuous activity. So, below are some indicators and “red flags” that will be helpful in understanding just what to look for to keep victims from falling through the cracks. Understand that occurrences aren’t always single or random, but oftentimes are occasions where places are frequented, such as a convenience store or a fast food restaurant. And, signals don’t just show as a visual association, but also as audibles, such as how someone is being talked to or directed. 

Indicators:
The person is disoriented, confused, or showing signs of mental or physical abuse.
The person cannot freely contact friends or family.
The person is fearful, timid, or overly submissive.
The person was forced to perform commercial sexual acts.
There is evidence of a sexually explicit online advertisement.
The person was recruited for a job, but was forced to engage in work without compensation.
The person does not have freedom of movement.
The person lacks personal possessions such as identification or money and appears not to have a stable living situation.
The person is often in the company of someone to whom he or she defers to speak on his or her behalf.
The person is closely monitored at all times.
A minor has stopped attending school.
A person has bruises in various stages of healing.
There is a lack of suitable or stable living conditions.
The person doesn’t have personal possessions.

Not all indicators exist in every human trafficking situation, and the presence or absence of any of the indicators isn’t proof that there is trafficking. Also, as I mentioned before, many of these indicators cross-over into other oppressive situations and relationships. However, if you see someone who is experiencing one or more these indicators, regardless of whether it falls under human trafficking or domestic/family violence, it’s great to be aware enough to bring attention to someone who is potentially being victimized under any type of circumstance. 

If we talk about these myths, indicators, and websites, perhaps the meaning of that phrase, “If you see something, say something,” can have more substance. The campaign can be more effective and you or someone you know can be the person who notices enough to save a life.