Sex Trafficking

Sacred Heart Center Advocates may assist Sex Trafficking victims by providing information and referral services.

It is against federal and state law to recruit, harbor, transport, provide or obtain a person through the use of force, fraud or coercion to engage in prostitution, pornography, exotic dancing, or other forced labor.

Signs that someone is being trafficked:

• Cannot buy their own food or clothing.
• May be malnourished, embarrassed or ashamed.
• Can’t have friends, go to school or contact relatives.
• May have been “branded”. (burnt by cigarettes or forcibly tattooed)
• May have been forced into drug and/or alcohol use
• May have been beaten, raped or blackmailed
• They may have an anxiety disorder, experience depression, be in a constant state of fear

Sex traffickers can be anyone, there is no certain “look” to who they are.

• They could be your neighbor, relative or boyfriend.
• They may pose as employers or business owners
• They may be part of organized crime

American Indian’s are the highest targeted race for sex trafficking victims.

• Most victims are young females
• Male and female children and adult females are the primary targets for sex trafficking