Human trafficking has become a serious global issue. Billions of dollars are generated in profit each year, making it one of the world’s fastest growing criminal activities according to the FBI. Florida alone has been recognized as having some of the highest incidents of human trafficking cases in the U.S. Most trafficking victims are not as open about their status due to fear of abuse by their trafficker.

Victims of human trafficking may range from the ages of nine years old and up, sometimes younger. Believeing that there are no possible options to escape their situation, most victims keep quiet. The Federal Bureau of Investigation, along with several organizations in Florida, such as the Florida Coalition of Human Trafficking, are asking Florida citizens to help join the fight against human trafficking.

• First, understand that there are different forms of trafficking: labor or sex.
• Take notice of any visible injuries.
• There may be locks and fences positioned to confine occupants where they work.
• These individuals likely have no contact with friends or family and no access to identification documents, bank accounts, or cash.
• Victims are usually kept under surveillance when taken to a doctor, hospital, or clinic for treatment; trafficker may act as a translator.
• They are often kept in homes or apartments with inhumane living conditions.