The "Language" & Visual Signs

 

• Use of lingo or slang relating to the individual’s involvement in prostitution.

• Evidence of controlling or dominating relationships

• Individual is dressed in inappropriate clothing (i.e. attire not consistent with weather or even age) 

• Tattoos or branding that the individual is reluctant to explain such as a man’s name initials, or Daddy (most often encountered with US victims of sex trafficking) 

 

​Common Work and Living Conditions: The Individual(s) in Question

• Is not free to leave or come and go as he/she wishes

• Is under 18 and is providing commercial sex acts

• Is in the commercial sex industry and has a pimp / manager

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Poor Mental Health or Abnormal Behavior

• Is fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, or nervous/paranoid

• Exhibits unusually fearful or anxious behavior after bringing up law enforcement

• Avoids eye contact

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Poor Physical Health

• Lacks health care

• Appears malnourished

• Shows signs of physical and/or sexual abuse, physical restraint, confinement, or torture

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Lack of Control

• Has few or no personal possessions

• Is not in control of his/her own money, no financial records, or bank account

• Is not in control of his/her own identification documents (ID or passport)

• Is not allowed or able to speak for themselves (a third party may insist on being present and/or translating)

• Claims of just visiting and inability to clarify where he/she is staying/address

• Lack of knowledge of whereabouts and/or do not know what city he/she is in

• Loss of sense of time

• Has numerous inconsistencies in his/her story

• Was recruited through false promises concerning the nature and conditions of his/her work