Sex trafficking is where women are sold and then held against their will in rooms or brothels and can be kept sometimes for weeks, months or even years. They are commonly drugged, abused, threatened and forced into having sex with strange men all day and all night. .
There are ways for us as individuals to get involved in helping to end human trafficking. First off, we need to be aware of red flags when coming into contact with someone who could have been a victim of human trafficking. When speaking to a girl who has been trafficked illegally, there are certain red flags that should be paid close attention to. By paying attention to those red flags and acting accordingly we could end up saving someones life. .
According to HumanTraffiicking.org those red flags are:.
1. If they are living with their employer.
2. If they have unsanitary living conditions.
3. If there are multiple people living in the same place.
4. They are unable to speak for themselves or alone.
5. If the employer holds all of their legal documentation.
6. If they show signs of abuse.
7. If they appear submissive or fearful.
8. If they never have any money even though they are working all the time.
9. If they are under 18 and are involved in prostitution.
10. If they seem to have people watching them all the time or are living in a place that has bars on the windows.
11. If they live in an isolated area, or are under surveillance.
12. if they are not allowed to leave unless they are with someone.
13. If they are living in a place that looks like a brothel. .
(Who Can Help in the United States, 2006).
Usually, girls who have been sold into human trafficking can exhibit poor mental health and abnormal behavior. They can show signs of being fearful, anxious, depressed, tense, or nervous and paranoid. Since they are not properly taken care of their physical appearance and their health can also be signs of abuse. Women who are being used as sex slaves do not get to keep their money and are working for someone that is taking everything they make.