1. Human Trafficking

2. IPATH Indiana Protection for Abused and Trafficked Humans Task Force PREVENTION, PROTECTION, PROSECUTION
The Indiana Protection for Abused Trafficked Humans task force (IPATH) is one of 42 task forces nationwide funded by the Department of Justice’s Office of Victims of Crime and the Bureau of Justice Assistance to address the issue of human trafficking.
The Goals of IPATH are to:
Enhance law enforcement’s ability to identify and rescue victims.
Provide resources and training to identify and rescue victims.
Ensure comprehensive services are available for victims of trafficking.

3. What is Human Trafficking?
Sex Trafficking: in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age; or
Labor Trafficking: 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. (1)
Victims of Trafficking and Violence Protection Act of 2000, Pub. L. No (2000), available at

4. Human Trafficking Examples
Sex Trafficking Example:
A 17 year old girl* runs away from her abusive family for the second time. She meets a 20-something man at the mall who befriends her and offers to buy her something pretty. Their romantic relationship grows slowly as she becomes more dependent upon him and believes he loves her. He starts to ask her to do things for him, eventually leading to pimping her out for profit and resorting to violence and psychological trauma to control her.
Labor Trafficking Example:
After losing his factory job*, a 35-year old man answers a job advertisement in the local newspaper for skilled welders. The ad promises affordable, safe housing and good pay. However, after being coerced into signing a “contract” in English, which he does not speak, he is taken to his home: a 2-bedroom apartment housing 8 other men, costing him $600 per month. The men are transported to a restaurant where they work 15 hours a day and their living costs always outnumber their pay, causing them to become burdened by an ever increasing debt.
*Stories are fictional and meant to be used for instructional use only. While they include common elements of human trafficking, these narratives are not taken from any one trafficking survivor.

5. A Growing Problem Worldwide
Human Trafficking is tied as the SECOND LARGEST and FASTEST growing criminal industry in the world, just behind the drug trade. (1)
27 million people are estimated to be victims of human trafficking worldwide. (2)
161 countries identified as being affected by human trafficking. (3)
$150.2 billion dollars generated by forced labor worldwide. (4)
(5)
Administration for Children & Families, U.S. Dept. of Health & Human Services, (last visited Jan. 13, 2012).
U.S. Dept. of State Trafficking in Persons Report (2013), available at
UN Office of Drugs and Crime, TIP Report: Global Patterns (2006) at p.58, available at
International Labour Office, Profits and Poverty: The Economics of Forced Labour (2014), available at See also Remarks at the Release of the 2014 Trafficking in Persons Report, U.S. Dept. of State (June 20, 2014) available at See also Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights: The Economics of Forced Labor, U.S. Dept. of State (June 2014), available at
U.S. Department of State, The Facts About Child Sex Tourism (2005) at p.22 (2005), available at

6. A Growing Problem Here at Home
Nearly 300,000 American youths are at risk of becoming victims of commercial sexual exploitation, according to the FBI. (2)
12-14 is the average age of entry into commercial sex in the U.S. (3)
83% of sex trafficking victims found in the U.S. were U.S. citizens, according to one Justice Department study (4)
(1)
U.S. Dept. of State Trafficking in Persons Report (2010), available at see also Congressional Research Service, Trafficking in Persons: U.S. Policy and Issues for Congress (2010) at p.2, available at
Amanda Walker-Rodriguez & Rodney Hill, Human Sex Trafficking, FED. BUREAU INVESTIGATION (Mar. 2011),
Some research indicates that the average age of entry for U.S. girls is 12 to 14, while the average age for U.S. boys and transgender youth is 11 to 13. See Amanda Walker-Rodriguez and Rodney Hill, Human Sex Trafficking, FBI Law Enforcement Bulletin, (March, 2011), available at See also Polaris Project, Child Sex Trafficking At-A-Glance, (2011), available at See also Ernie Allen, President and CEO of the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, speaking to the House Victims’ Rights Caucus Human Trafficking Caucus, Cong. Rec., 111th Cong., 2nd sess., See also U.S. Children are Victims of Sex Trafficking (April 2008), humantrafficking.org,
This statistic is based on one study of confirmed sex trafficking incidents opened by federally funded U.S. task forces. Human Trafficking/Trafficking In Persons, Dept. of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics, (last visited 1/14/2012).

7. Midwest/Indiana Statistics (1) US Statistics- Fiscal Year 2012 (2)
Investigations in US
Investigations in Midwest
Investigations in Indiana (2006-June, 2014)
BJA Funded Anti-Trafficking Task Forces
5,143 ( )
392 ( )
134 (law enforcement) and 123 victims served to date
US Statistics- Fiscal Year 2012 (2)
Number of Investigations in the US
26 DOJ-led taskforces
over 753
ICE-HSI
894
FBI
306 pending (adults and foreign child victims)
440 (sex trafficking of children)
Information was obtained from the Bureau of Justice Assistance (BJA). The BJA Task Forces in the Midwestern Region were located in the states of:  Illinois, Indiana, Missouri, Wisconsin,  and Minnesota.
U.S. Dept. of State Trafficking in Persons Report (2013), available at

8. Origin & Destination Countries
The United States is one of the most popular destinations for human trafficking.
UN Highlights Human Trafficking, Origin & Destination Countries, BBC News available at

9. Who is Involved in Trafficking?
The recruiter gains the victim’s trust and then sells them for labor or to a pimp. Sometimes this is a boyfriend, a neighbor, or even a family member.
The trafficker is the one who controls the victims. Making the victim fearful through abuse, threats, and lies the trafficker gains power over his/her victim.
The victim could be anyone.
The consumer funds the human trafficking industry by purchasing goods and services. Often s/he is unaware that someone is suffering.

10. The Trafficker
The trafficker will likely be in a lucrative business enterprise as the heart of human trafficking is exploiting cheap labor.
The trafficker may be part of a larger organized crime ring, or may be profiting independently.
Most often, he/she is the same race/ethnicity as the victim.
Might be someone who knew the victim and victim’s family.
Will likely be bilingual.
Will likely be an older man with younger women who seems to be controlling, watching their every move, and correcting/instructing them frequently.

11. The Trafficked Person
Human Trafficking reaches every culture and demographics. Regardless
of their demographics, victims are vulnerable in some way, and the
traffickers will use their particular vulnerability to exploit the victim.
Some risk factors include:
Youth
Poverty
Unemployment
Desperation
Homes in countries torn by armed conflict, civil unrest, political upheaval, corruption, or natural disasters
Family backgrounds strife with violence, abuse, conflict
Homelessness
A need to be loved
Immigration Status

12. Child Trafficking Victims Experience High Levels of Adversity and Stress
Jim Mercy, Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Public Health Implications of Child Sex Trafficking (PowerPoint presentation).

13. The Adverse Childhood Experience Studies
Jim Mercy, Division of Violence Prevention, National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, The Public Health Implications of Child Sex Trafficking (PowerPoint presentation).

14. The Trafficked Person A Vulnerable Life Before Victimization *
Of boys and girls recruited into commercial sex:
57% had been sexually abused as children. (1)
49% had been physically assaulted. (1)
85% were victims of incest as girls, and 90% had been physically abused. (2)
61.5% were frequently hit, slapped, pushed, grabbed, or had objects thrown at them by a member of their household. (3)
40% of the above were kicked, hit, beaten, raped, or threatened and/or attacked with a weapon by a member of their household. (3)
Nearly half the participants in one study had been “molested or raped as children or teenagers.” (4)
* These studies considered various forms commercial sex, not only sex trafficking. Due to the hidden nature of this crime, little research is available strictly on trafficking. However, it should be noted that anyone used in commercial sex who is under 18 or is being forced or coerced is a victim of trafficking.
Melissa Farley & Howard Barkan, Prostitution, Violence Against Women, and Posttraumatic Stress Disorder, 27 Women & Health (1998), available at
Hunter, S.K., Prostitution is Cruelty and Abuse to Women and Children, 1 Mich. J. Gender & L (1993).
Jody Raphael & Deborah L. Shapiro, Sisters Speak Out: The Lives and Needs of Prostituted Women in Chicago, Center for Impact Research (2002) at p.15, available at
Jennifer K. Wesely, Growing up Sexualized: Issues of Power and Violence in the Lives of Female Exotic Dancers, 8 No. 10 Violence Against Women, 1182, 1192 (October, 2002). 14

15. Throughout life children exposed to trauma / PTSD:
More substance use problems and domestic violence
Use more mental health services
Less likely to complete secondary or advanced education
More trouble attaining and holding stable employment
More disrupted –less trusting relationships
More problems with criminal justice system
More verbally, physically abusive to their others/own children
Experience more homelessness
Longer the exposure, worse the outcomes
More life long physical health care services
On average will die 20 years younger
William Holmes, MD & Roy VanTassell MS LPC, When the Twig is Bent: An Integrated Approach to Children In Foster Care (Apr , 2014), PPT for National RX Drug Abuse Summit. 15

16. Children in Foster Care and Post Traumatic Stress Disorder
One study of foster care children found PTSD for 60% of children who had been sexually abused, 42% of children who had been physically abused (1)
A study of kids ages 6-8 entering foster care found that one out of three met criteria for PTSD (2)
Another study found PTSD symptoms in 19.2% of child welfare investigated kids placed in foster care (3)
Over 21% of foster care alumni suffer from PTSD, a rate higher than U.S. war veterans (4)
Dubner, A. E., & Motta, R. W. (1999). Sexually and physically abused foster care children and posttraumatic stress disorder. Journal Of Consulting And Clinical Psychology, 67(3), doi: / X
Marsenich, L. (2002). Evidence-based practices in mental health services for foster youth. Sacramento, CA: California Institute for Mental Health. Available at
Kolko, D. J., Hurlburt, M. S., Jinjin, Z., Barth, R. P., Leslie, L. K., & Burns, B. J. (2010). Posttraumatic Stress symptoms in children and adolescents referred for child welfare investigation. Child Maltreatment, 15(1),
Pecora, P., Kessler, R., Williams, J., O’Brien, K., Downs, A.C., English, D., …. Holmes, K. E. (2005). Improving foster care—Findings from the Northwest Foster Care Alumni Study. Seattle, WA: Casey Family Programs. 16

17. The Trafficked Person
Likely has been lied to about the work they will be doing in the U.S.
Was economically motivated to come the United States or to seek a new job.
Believes they have a real debt to pay and takes this very seriously.
Has been lied to about their rights in this country and what will happen to them if they seek help.
Does not have any meaningful social network.
Is extremely embarrassed about what is happening to him/her.
May not see themselves as a victim – they may feel blame for their situation.
May be holding out hope that if he or she proves their worth, things will get better

18. Where are Trafficked Persons Found?
Trafficking is found in many industries including:
The sex industry
Forced labor in agricultural or construction industries
Factories, restaurants, hotels
domestic servitude as servant, housekeeper or nanny
Health and beauty industries
As a bride
As beggars or peddlers
Janitorial services
Health and elder care

19. How Are People Recruited?
Grooming process
Internet and social media
Fake employment agencies
Acquaintances or family
Newspaper ads
Front businesses
Word of mouth
Abduction

20. Why don’t Trafficked Persons Escape?
They are afraid of being deported.
They may be in danger if they try to leave.
The traffickers have such a strong psychological and physiological hold on them.
They fear for the safety of their families in their home countries or in the U.S.
They may fear the U.S. legal system because they may not understand the laws that protect them.
They may not be able to support themselves on their own.
Due to all these factors, they may not complain about their situation.
Therefore, it is our responsibility to protect and assist people being exploited.

21. Human Trafficking and Technology
Social Networking
Traffickers may pose as any of the following on social media:
Escort Service
Modeling Agency
Dancing Opportunity
Boyfriend
Friend
This kind of approach works more often than parents would like to believe.

22. Human Trafficking and Technology
Online Classified Ads – Craigslist.org and Backpage.com 1)

23. Human Trafficking and Technology
Online Classified Ads – Craigslist.org and Backpage.com
A study conducted by KLAAS KIDS Foundation found significant increases in Backpage escort ads leading up to the 2012 Super Bowl. (1)
An artist’s interpretation of an advertisement on Indianapolis Backpage February 02nd. (2)
KlaAs Kids Foundation, Tackle the Trafficker Outreach and Monitoring Initiative (Feb. 3, 2011).
KlaAs Kids Foundation, Behind closed doors.

24. Three Elements of Trafficking
Recruiting
Harboring,
Moving, or
Obtaining
A person By
Force,
Fraud or
Coercion
Involuntary servitude,
For the purpose of
Debt bondage,
Sex Trade
Slavery or
In order to be considered trafficking on both federal and state levels, all three of these elements must be identified:
PROCESS
MEANS
END

25. What is Force, Fraud, & Coercion?
Kidnapping
Torture
Battering
Threats with Weapons
Sexual Abuse
Confinement
Forced use of Drugs
Forced Abortions
Denial of Medical Care
Fraud
Promises of Valid Immigration
Documents
Victim told to use false travel
papers
Contract signed for Legitimate Work
Promised Job differs from actuality
Promises of Money or Salary
Misrepresentation of Work Conditions
Wooing into Romantic
Relationship
Coercion
Debt Bondage
Threats of Harm to Victim or Family
Control of Children
Controlled Communication
Photographing in Illegal Situations
Holding ID/Travel Documents
Verbal or Psychological Abuse
Control of Victims Money
Punishments for Misbehavior

26. Criminal Code Felony reclassification effective July 1, 2014.
Indiana Law: IC
Trafficking:
A person who, by force, threat of force, or fraud engages a person in:
Forced Labor
Involuntary Servitude
Marriage
Prostitution
Participation in Sexual Conduct
Prosecutors don’t have to prove force when a minor under the age of 18 is being trafficked
Restitution is available to trafficking victims
Trafficking victims may also have a civil cause of action to recover other damages from the trafficker
Human and Sexual Trafficking, Ind. Code § , available at
Criminal Code Felony reclassification effective July 1, 2014.

27. Federal Law: Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000
A Comprehensive Law:
Areas of Focus:
Prevention
Public Awareness, Outreach and Education
Protection
T-Visa, Certification, Benefits and Services to Victims
Prosecution
Created Federal Crime of Trafficking, New Law Enforcement Tools and Efforts

28. Highlights of TVPA:
Protection provided to trafficked persons through legal assistance and other benefits
New crimes of trafficking and forced labor defined
State Department reports annually on how countries are doing in combating trafficking
Lowest ranked countries are subject to sanctions

29. What is a T-Visa?
Enables certain victims of human trafficking to live and work in the US for four years.
May be eligible to apply for adjustment of status to lawful permanent resident after three years.
Can petition to have certain family members accompany them.
Allows access to public benefits.
Cap of 5,000 visas annually.
From 2002 through October, 2012, only 6,482 visas were issued.
The reason the number of issued visas is so low is believed to be because human trafficking victims are not coming forward.

30. Social Service Provision
Adult victims of a severe form of trafficking may be eligible for valuable legal & social service benefits:
Mental health care
Legal and immigration services
ESL training
Independent living skills
Clothing
Interpretation
Safety planning
Housing
Food
Job placement and employment education
Medical care and health education

31. Who Might Identify Trafficked Persons?
Referrals about human trafficking cases can come through a variety of means:
Other Social Service Agencies
Local Law Enforcement
Labor Issue Complaints
Federal Investigations
Local/National Hotlines
Other Government Agencies
Churches
Concerned Community Members
Immigrant Officers

32. Identification: Social Indicators
Potential victim is accompanied by another person who seems controlling and/or insists on speaking for the victim
Frequent relocation
Numerous inconsistencies in his or her story
Neglected healthcare needs
Are not in control of their own money
Lack of control of identification documents
Individual is using false identification papers
Restricted or scripted communication
Rescue and Restore Campaign
The National Symposium on the Health Needs of Human Trafficking Victims
Shared Hope International

33. Identification: Social Indicators
Excess amount of cash
Hotel room keys
Chronic runaway/homeless youth
Signs of branding (tattoo, jewelry)
Lying about age
Lack of knowledge of a given community or whereabouts
Exhibits behaviors including hyper-vigilance or paranoia, nervousness, tension, submission, etc.
Rescue and Restore Campaign
The National Symposium on the Health Needs of Human Trafficking Victims
Shared Hope International

34. Identification: Health Indicators
Signs of physical abuse
Bruises
Black Eyes
Burns
Cuts
Broken teeth
Multiple scars
Malnourishment
Evidence of trauma
Poor Dental Hygiene
Psychological Problems
Depression
Anxiety
PTSD
Suicidal Ideation
Panic Attacks
Stockholm Syndrome
Fear/Distrust
Polaris Project At A Glance For Medical Professionals (2010), available at

35. Key Questions to Keep in Mind
Are they being forced to do something they don’t want to do?
Is the person allowed to leave their place of work?
Has the person been physically and/or sexually abused?
Has the person been threatened?
Does the person have a passport and other documents, or are they taken away?
Has the person been paid for his/her work or services?
How many hours does the person work a day?
What are/were the living conditions?
How did the person find out about the job?
Who organized the person’s migration?
Do they have to ask permission to eat, sleep, or go to the bathroom?
Do they believe they owe money for their travel or other expenses?
Has anyone threatened their family?
Where do they sleep and eat?
Is there a lock on their door or windows so they cannot get out?

36. What Can You Do?
Commit to not participating in the commercial sex industry…
To not purchase or participate in prostitution or the commercial sex industry
To hold friends accountable and demand their respect for women and children
To take action on behalf of those vulnerable to sex trafficking
Take part in creating cultural change.
Encourage education for youth on topics such as healthy relationships, self-identity, life skills…
Support local organizations that serve victims of human trafficking
Talk about it.
Talk to your friends about the fact that there is a direct connection between prostitution, lap dancing and strip clubs and missing and exploited children.
In interviews, Johns admit that they would be deterred from buying sex if they were held criminally and socially accountable.
Speak out.
Don’t tolerate or use the lingo. When prostitution is portrayed as a choice or “funny” in movies, talk about the reality. Don’t glorify the “pimp” culture.
Share these facts with others.
To access “Don’t Buy the Lie” human trafficking materials, please visit the Human Trafficking webpage under Office Initiatives on the Indiana Attorney General’s website:

37. What Can You Do – Promote Education for Youth
Human Trafficking 101:
45-minute informational overview of trafficking
Definition of terms,
A look at who is involved,
Action steps for how youth can be involved in standing up against this problem.
Empowering Youth to End Sexual Exploitation:
Four 45-minute sessions
Looks at cultural myths, trends, and influences that feed into sex trafficking and sexual exploitation
Engages youth in activities, critical thinking, and learning to become change agents
My Life, My Choice:
10-session course for adolescent females
Geared toward at risk or former victims of trafficking
Covers topics such as reducing risks of exploitation, developing self-esteem, and sexual health 37

38. If you believe someone is a victim of Human Trafficking:
Call 911 if there is an emergency or crime occurring currently.
Then…
Indianapolis Trafficked Persons Assistance Program 24-hour hotline
National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline Number or send a text to BeFree (233733)
Indiana Child Abuse and Neglect Hotline Number

39. Contact: Office of the Indiana Attorney General
Human Trafficking Prevention Program