Identify the Signs of Human Trafficking in Connecticut
Awareness isn't about blaming. It's about running ethical businesses, noticing problems, and knowing how to respond.
Human trafficking does not always look obvious. In Connecticut, trafficking has been reported in industries and settings that are part of everyday business activity, such as restaurants, construction sites, hotels and motels, domestic work, agriculture, transportation, and personal services, among others.
Businesses are often in a position to see warning signs before anyone else. Knowing what to look for — and understanding that context matters — can help businesses recognize potential trafficking situations and respond appropriately.
Remember:
Human trafficking relies on control, and not always physical force
Victims may appear fearful, withdrawn, coached, or unable to speak freely
Trafficking can intersect with legitimate employment or customer interactions
A person may not identify themselves as a victim, even when exploitation is occurring
If something feels concerning, odd, or out of place, it is worth paying attention to. Not every person experiencing trafficking will show the same signs, and no single indicator confirms trafficking. Red flags should be considered together and within the context of the situation.
The U.S. Department of Labor and National Human Trafficking Hotline are among the organizations that list these guidelines for identifying labor and sex trafficking warning signs.
Labor Trafficking Warning Signs:
Labor trafficking can occur in any industry, particularly those that rely on vulnerable or temporary labor. In Connecticut, this has included restaurants and food service, construction, agriculture, domestic work, manufacturing, healthcare, hospitality, and personal services.
These red flag situations may also arise in both large operations and small businesses, including subcontracted or third-party labor arrangements. They include the person:
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Appearing pressured by an employer or recruiter to stay in a job they want to leave
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Not being paid what was promised, being paid inconsistently, or not being paid at all
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Owing money to an employer or recruiter and being unable to pay it off
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Not having control of your own passport, identification, or work documents
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Living and working in isolated or employer-controlled conditions
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Being monitored by another person during conversations or interactions
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Being threatened with deportation, job loss, or other harm
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Working in dangerous conditions without proper safety equipment, training, or breaks
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Living in overcrowded, unsafe, or inhumane housing provided by an employer
Sex Trafficking Warning Signs
Sex trafficking involves forcing, defrauding, or coercing someone into commercial sex. Under the law, any minor engaged in commercial sex is considered a victim of sex trafficking, regardless of force or coercion.
Commercial sex means a sexual act exchanged for money or other things of value. If someone is coerced, controlled, or under the age of 18, the situation is considered sex trafficking.
In Connecticut, sex trafficking has been reported in locations that may appear legitimate on the surface, including hotels and motels, illicit massage businesses, online platforms, and other commercial settings.
Traffickers often use debt, threats, manipulation, or emotional control rather than visible violence, with red flags including situations where an individual:
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Is under 18 and engaged in commercial sex
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Expresses a desire to stop participating in commercial sex but feels scared or unable to leave
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Lives where you work or are transported to and from work by another person
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Is unable to speak privately or appears coached on what to say
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Has a controlling “manager,” partner, parent, guardian, or sponsor who monitors their movements, spending, or communications
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Works in an environment where sexual services may be expected or pressured, such as an illicit massage business or adult entertainment setting
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Is dependent on someone who has a substance use problem or who is abusive
If You Suspect Human Trafficking
Do not confront a suspected trafficker
Do not alert a victim to your suspicions
Do not attempt to investigate or intervene on your own
