NCJ Number
252023
Date Published
October 2017
Length
5 pages
Annotation
The purpose of this paper is to outline the signs that a youth has been trafficked for commercial sex, how this can be prevented, and how to help them.
Abstract
In describing the nature of trafficking for commercial sex, the paper indicates that youth and adults are trafficked by "pimps," who victimize them with violent control and sexual exploitation. Traffickers remain hidden from police while victims are visible targets for arrest and criminal justice involvement. Some physical and behavioral signs of trafficking victimization are injuries from physical abuse, malnourishment and poor health, submissiveness or fear, anxiety about police contact, and speech that appears scripted or rehearsed. Information is also provided on sex trafficking as a distinctive subculture that includes a distinctive vocabulary, specific rules in sex trafficking situations, and social controls related to behaviors and attitudes in interactions with others. Examples are provided of the cultural characteristics of trafficking in commercial sex. Questions to ask a person one suspects is involved in trafficked commercial sex are suggested as a means of confirming the suspicion. When one has reasonable certainty that a person is being trafficked for commercial sex, this paper suggests actions that might be taken to help the person, being careful not to make their situation worse or more dangerous. Suggestions include contacting 911 for services; determining appropriate community resources to which victims may be referred, such as hotlines and services for crime victims; and providing food and shelter.