iT IS NOT JUST SOMEONE ELSE’S PROBLEM

Human Trafficking is everyone’s problem. The United States is in the top 5 countries for having human trafficking a top crime business. Americans think this is just going on in other countries but it is in our own backyards, communities, cities, and states.

The traffickers/predators are waiting to groom anyone that is vulnerable and who does not know the tactics used as grooming tools, who assume everyone has “good” in them, and are taught stranger danger instead of family and friend danger. California Cognitive Behavioral Institute trains in Human Trafficking Advocacy across the country so that you can know what to look for, understand the mind of a predator and how they groom and create a victim/hostage who stays loyal to them and betrays self and others.

If you suspect you are witnessing a human trafficking situation , here are numbers for you to call. Remember you don’t have to know for sure it is a human trafficking situation – only suspect it and let an investigation take place to prove or disprove it. You may be saving someone’s life.

Some important information:

Report Trafficking

If you are experiencing an emergency please call 911. To report a tip of suspected sex trafficking please call the hotlines listed at the bottom of this page. Please note that Shared Hope is not a hotline and does not have the timely resources to respond to tips.

Pimps/traffickers often exhibit the following behaviors or characteristics:

  • Jealous, controlling and violent
  • Significantly older than female companions
  • Promise things that seem too good to be true
  • Encourage victims to engage in illegal activities to achieve their goals and dreams
  • Buys expensive gifts or owns expensive items
  • Is vague about his/her profession
  • Pushy or demanding about sex
  • Encourages inappropriate sexual behavior
  • Makes the victim feel responsible for his/her financial stability. Very open about financial matters.

Warning signs that an individual is being trafficked:

  • Signs of physical abuse such as burn marks, bruises or cuts
  • Unexplained absences from class
  • Less appropriately dressed than before
  • Sexualized behavior
  • Overly tired in class
  • Withdrawn, depressed, distracted or checked out
  • Brags about making or having lots of money
  • Displays expensive clothes, accessories or shoes
  • New tattoo (tattoos are often used by pimps as a way to brand victims. Tattoos of a name, symbol of money or barcode could indicate trafficking)
  • Older boyfriend or new friends with a different lifestyle
  • Talks about wild parties or invites other students to attend parties
  • Shows signs of gang affiliation? (ie: a preference for specific colors, notebook doodles of gang symbols, etc.)

To report a tip or connect with anti-trafficking services in your area, contact:

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children

1-800-843-5678

If you have information about a missing child or suspected child sexual exploitation, call to report it or visit their website.

National Human Trafficking Hotline

1-888-373-7888

The National Human Trafficking Hotline is a national, anti-trafficking hotline and resource center serving victims and survivors of human trafficking and the anti-trafficking community in the United States. The toll-free hotline is answered live 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year. For more information, visit www.humantraffickinghotline.org.

The National Runaway Switchboard

1-800-RUNAWAY

For more information, visit www.1800RUNAWAY.org The National Runaway Switchboard serves as the federally-designated national communication system for homeless and runaway youth.  NRS, with the support of more than 150 volunteers, handles an average of 100,000 calls annually – more than 3 million calls since the organization’s inception.  Through hotline and online services, NRS provides crisis intervention, referrals to local resources, and education and prevention services to youth, families and community members throughout the country 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement

1-866-347-2423 (U.S. & Canada)
1-802-872-6199 (International Calls)

ICE’s hotline to report suspected child predators and any suspicious activity.
Call or complete an online tip form.