Indicators of Child Trafficking
Page Contents
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 child or adolescent is a possible trafficking victim or in a situation of vulnerability or abuse.
Whenever a child or adolescent is at risk or being harmed, PANI should be notified to trigger a protection response.
Children and adolescents should immediately receive protection and assistance regardless of whether they are a trafficking victim.
Types and Examples of Indicators
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 child or adolescent may be a trafficking victim.
Indicators will differ in relevance and usefulness depending on the situation in which an interaction with a child or adolescent 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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