Recognise a Victim

Vulnerable Groups

People may be vulnerable to human trafficking if they:

• Have unstable living conditions

• Have run away or have been involved in juvenile crime

• Have limited educational and employment opportunities

• Are facing poverty or economic need

• Are experiencing domestic violence or abuse  

Spotting the Signs

Labour Trafficking

Labour trafficking includes situations where victims are forced to work due to debt, threats or violence. Keeping victims isolated is a key method of control in most cases.

Someone may be experiencing/be vulnerable to labour trafficking if they:

• Are isolated and have their movement and communication restricted or monitored

• Are forced by their employer to stay in a job they want to leave.

• Owe money to their employer or recruiter, or are not paid what they were promised.

• Were told they would work some other job but were forced into working their current job.

• Have their passport or important documents controlled by someone else.

• Are threatened with or subjected to acts of violence.

• Face restricted access to medical care.

• Have limited or no knowledge of local language and laws, making it challenging to understand their rights and seek assistance.

Sex Trafficking

Sex trafficking occurs when individuals are made to perform commercial sex through the use of force, fraud, or coercion.

Someone may be experiencing/be vulnerable to sex trafficking if they: 

• Share that they did not want to do commercial sex but were pressured into it.

• Were told they would work some other job but were forced into commercial sex.

• Have a controlling parent, guardian, romantic partner, or 'sponsor' who does not let them meet or talk to anyone alone and monitors their movements, spending, or communications.

• Are confined to stay where they work or are escorted by guards between home and workplace.

• Lack control over their earnings, with someone else managing or taking their money.

• Have their passport or important documents controlled by someone else.

• Endure threats or acts of violence.

• Are underage yet involved in commercial sex.

• Work in environments or industries where there is an increased likelihood of sex trafficking occurring.

Adapted from USA National Human Trafficking Hotline