Indicators of Trafficking in Perons
What are Indicators?
Indicators are signs or signals that a person may be a trafficking victim.
Indicators may be based on conversations and interactions with the individual, as well as observation of their behavior, appearance, or circumstances. Indicators signal the need for further inquiry and must be applied with care and caution. No single indicator can provide a definitive answer or “proof” of trafficking in persons. The presence of several indicators is a stronger indication that someone may be a trafficking victim. However, even if only one indicator is detected, it is important to assess whether the person is a possible trafficking victim or in a situation of vulnerability or abuse.
Types and Examples of Indicators
Behavioral
Behaviors that a person may exhibit while trafficked or after trafficking.
Depression or distress (anxiety, apathy, crying, disorientation, fear, self-harm)
Behavior not typical of someone their age
Alcohol or drug use, risk taking
Conflict with family members, running away from home
Memory loss or confusion (such as not remembering where they come from)
Not adhering to limits, including schedule and/or responsibilities
Difficult to communicate with, withholding of information not typical of someone their age
Talks about sexual or physical abuse
Drowsiness, not concentrating, falling behind in school or activities, low motivation
Telling stories that don’t make sense or appear to have been coached
Expressing self-criticism (such as anger for bad decision), lack of confidence
Suspicious of and/or lacking trust in others
Difficulty speaking in the local language
Appearance, behavior, or clothing inconsistent with age, culture, and/or environment
Showing signs of intimidation or fear
Resistant to speaking with professionals and/or answering questions
Negative and/or aggressive behavior (such as use of foul language or screaming)
Fearful or nervous about discussing their relationship with another person
Physical
Signs on a person’s body and/or in their physical development that may result from trafficking.
Bruises, scars, broken bones, untreated medical problems
Signs of physical restraint, confinement, or torture
Deprivation of food, water, sleep, and/or medical care
Chronic injuries or illness that are consistent with abuse or exploitation
Sexually transmitted infections
Signs of alcohol or drug use
Signs of rape and/or sexual abuse
Pregnancies, children, miscarriages, and/or abortions
Poor hygiene, malnutrition, poor vision, poor hearing
Scars or physical signs of self-harm
Anorexia, bulimia, disordered eating
Community-Based
Indicators observed in the community setting where a trafficking victim may live or work.
Houses with unusual movement of people and/or little communication with neighborhood
Homes where a person never leaves
Excessive security
Persons present from outside the community who are associated with commercial sex
Concentration of individuals of similar ages (such as groups of adolescent girls or adolescent boys)
Groups of people being transferred to or from a location
Locations where drug sales are known to occur
Homes where individuals have drug or alcohol addiction
Homes or locations where officials are not well-received or face threats
Situational
Situations involving a person who may be a trafficking victim.
A child or adolescent without a parent or guardian
Handling large amounts of money or goods inconsistent with the family economy
Without identity documents and/or without a fixed address
No freedom of movement and/or unable to leave a living or working situation
Living at place of employment
Staying in places linked to illicit activities
Wandering or staying regularly in the street and/or public places
Foreign and living in Costa Rica without family or a guardian
A young person in bars or nightclubs accompanied by adults
Spending time with a foreign tourist
Offered a job or study opportunity without information about the destination or arrangements
Travel costs or travel documents paid for by someone unknown
A child or adolescent constantly accompanied by an adult
Being threatened (in person, by phone, by text, by email, on Facebook, etc.)
Irregularly attending school or no longer attending school
In an improper relationship
Trying to recruit other individuals into trafficking
Not getting healthcare when needed
Performing odd tasks at odd hours and/or working excessive hours
Transported to or from a work site by another person
Eats separately from other “family” members, receives only leftovers or limited food
The presence of indicators does not establish that someone is a trafficking victim – the presence of indicators should lead to further inquiry. Equally, the absence of indicators does not mean that an individual is not a trafficking victim. Presence of any of the indicators should lead to a careful examination of the situation to determine if a person may be a trafficking victim.
Indicators will differ in relevance and usefulness depending on the situation in which an interaction with an individual takes place.
Take the contents of this page with you by downloading our Indicators handout.
Do you know someone who may be a victim of trafficking?
Learn more about trafficking in persons on the Practitioner Platform
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