Human trafficking is “a crime that involves compelling or coercing a person to provide labor or services, or to engage in commercial sex acts” (What is human trafficking, 2023). Anybody can be a victim, regardless of race, age, or gender but in many cases, traffickers are likely to prey on vulnerable individuals, such as children. The human trafficking of children occurs in different settings, but one not often talked about is human trafficking within military towns (U.S. Department of State, n.d.).
Military families and service members frequently move due to deployments or transfers to different bases, and this transiency doesn't raise suspicion. As a result, human traffickers frequently avoid detection because law enforcement has a difficult time finding and stopping them. As a military community, we should know some of the warning signs.
Signs that may indicate that a young child is being trafficked:
- Lacking personal items
- Consistently wearing the same clothes
- Physical ill health, looking unkempt or malnourished
- Unexplained physical injuries
- Fearful or withdrawn behavior
- Being unsure, unable, or reluctant to give details such as where they live
(Signs of child trafficking & modern slavery, n.d.)
Additional warning signs that may indicate that a teenager is being trafficked:
- Running away from home
- Truancy/not attending school
- Possessing cell phones that they did not purchase on their own
- Making purchases with credit cards that do not belong to them
- Older boyfriends
- Signs of physical abuse such as burn marks, bruises, or cuts
- New tattoos (traffickers often use tattoos as a form of branding)
- Signs of gang affiliation
(Human trafficking fact sheet, n.d.)
It is important to know that these warning signs do not always indicate trafficking however we should still be aware of them. Also, some of these warning signs can be seen in both children and teenagers. In addition to knowing these warning signs, there are also ways to lower the risk of a child being trafficked.
How to lower the risk of a child being trafficked:
- Families can set a high standard of love in their home: Making sure a child feels loved at home is the number one thing we can do to create a feeling of security and comfort.
- Talk to children about human trafficking: It is important for children to know that there are people in this world that could hurt them. Teach them about the signs and tell them to tell a trusted adult if there is someone in their life showing the signs.
- Talk to children about the dangers of social media: Not everyone on the internet is who they appear to be. Tell your children to limit their contact to people they know and trust on the internet. They should not be talking about or revealing personal information about themselves to strangers.
- Pay attention to children: If they are acting out, it might not be “just a phase.” Know who your child’s friends are,and know who their friend’s parents are. Traffickers rely on having a close relationship with their victim, so know who is in their life.
(10 ways parents can protect their children from sex trafficking, n.d.)
The information in this blog is important for everyone concerned about human trafficking, especially for those living in military towns. The transitory nature of military towns can increase the likelihood that a child slips through the social safety net and into the web of the traffickers. Knowing these warning signs and how to lower the risks will help keep the children in our community safe.
References
What is human trafficking?. Human Trafficking. (2023, June 26).
https://www.justice.gov/humantrafficking/what-is-human-trafficking
U.S. Department of State. (n.d.). U.S. Department of State.
https://www.state.gov/reports/2024-trafficking-in-persons-report/united-states/#:~:text=In%20FY%202023%2C%20DoD%20reported,cases%20involved%20human%20trafficking%20crimes.
Signs of child trafficking & modern slavery. BHSCP. (n.d.).
https://www.bhscp.org.uk/preventing-abuse-and-neglect/spotting-the-signs/signs-of-child-trafficking-modern-slavery/
Human trafficking fact sheet. Human Trafficking Fact Sheet | Attorney General Brian
Schwalb. (n.d.). https://oag.dc.gov/public-safety/human-trafficking-initiatives/human-trafficking-fact-sheet
10 ways parents can protect their children from sex trafficking. rahabsdaughtersorg. (n.d.).
https://www.rahabsdaughters.org/blog/10-ways-parents-can-protect-their-children-from-sex-trafficking/
Bio
Ms. Patti Busch is a student at Methodist University majoring in Psychology and Criminal Justice.
Ms. Jehobia Jujin Premakumar is a student at Methodist University majoring in Computer Information Technology Cyber Security
Ms. Kaylee Williams is a student at Methodist University majoring in Criminal Justice and Forensic Science.
Ms. Sarah See is an assistant professor at Methodist University in the department of Criminal Justice and Military Science.
