If you are experiencing an emergency, call 911. To report a tip of suspected sex trafficking, 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 may be being trafficked:
- Physical abuse such as burn marks, bruises or cuts
- Unexplained absences from class
- Sexualized behavior
- Overly tired in class
- Withdrawn, depressed, distracted or checked out
- Brags about making or having lots of money
- Less appropriately dressed than before or new 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 (colors, notebook doodles of gang symbols, etc.)
To Report a Tip
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.
The National Runaway Switchboard
1-800-RUNAWAY
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.
National Center for Missing & Exploited Children
1-800-843-5678
As the nation’s clearinghouse and comprehensive reporting center for all issues related to the prevention of and recovery from child victimization, NCMEC leads the fight against abduction, abuse, and exploitation – because every child deserves a safe childhood.
Get our Free Warning Signs of Sex Trafficking in the Hospitality Industry printable.
Who is Shared Hope International?
PREVENT
Through training, awareness, and collaboration, we seek to inspire creative prevention strategies.
RESTORE
Our strategic guidance and funding helps local organizations expand shelter and services for survivors.
BRING JUSTICE
Our justice initiatives accelerate legislative and policy solutions to combat injustice and protect victims.
