Know the Signs ... Stop the Violence

One in three young adults in the U.S. are a victim of physical, sexual, emotional, or verbal violence from their dating partner.

Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked worldwide – including right here in our communities. Pennsylvania ranks 12th in the country for number of human trafficking cases. 
 

What is human trafficking?

Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery. It involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. 
 

Where and how does it happen?

Human trafficking can happen in any community and victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality. Traffickers might use the following methods to lure victims into trafficking situations:

• Violence
• Manipulation
• False promises of well-paying jobs
• Romantic relationships

Language barriers, fear of their traffickers, and/or fear of law enforcement frequently keep victims from seeking help, making human trafficking a hidden crime.
 

Know the Signs

• Does the person appear disconnected from family, friends, community organizations, or houses of worship?
• Has a child stopped attending school?
• Has the person had a sudden or dramatic change in behavior?
• Is a juvenile engaged in commercial sex acts?
• Is the person disoriented or confused, or showing signs of mental or physical abuse?
• Does the person have bruises in various stages of healing?
• Is the person fearful, timid, or submissive?
• Does the person show signs of having been denied food, water, sleep, or medical care?
• Is the person often in the company of someone to whom he or she defers? Or someone who seems to be in control of the situation, e.g., where they go or who they talk to?
• Does the person appear to be coached on what to say?
• Is the person living in unsuitable conditions?
• Does the person lack personal possessions and appear not to have a stable living situation?
• Does the person have freedom of movement? Can the person freely leave where they live? Are there unreasonable security measures?

Find Help

If you are victim of human trafficking and need help or suspect that someone else is a victim:

• Call 911 if you are in immediate danger. 
• Call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline at 1-888-373-7888. Available 24/7 in English and Spanish.
• Text the letters "Befree" or the numbers 233733 to reach the National Human Trafficking Resource Center.
• Contact the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR) at 1-800-692-7445.

Department of Health & Human Services, BLUE CAMPAIGN

The Blue Campaign is a national public awareness campaign designed to educate the public, law enforcement, and other industry partners to recognize the indicators of human trafficking, and how to respond to possible cases.

To report suspected human trafficking to Federal law enforcement: call 1-866-347-2423
 

Resources for Human Trafficking & Intimate Partner Violence

Love is Respect

Love is Respect is an organization whose purpose is to engage, educate and empower young people to prevent and end abusive relationships. Highly-trained advocates offer support, information and advocacy to young people who have questions or concerns about their dating relationships. They also provide information and support to concerned friends and family members, teachers, counselors, service providers and members of law enforcement. Free and confidential phone, live chat and texting services are available 24/7/365.
Hotline: 1-866-331-9474

 

Crisis Shelter of Lawrence County

Since 1981 the Crisis Shelter of Lawrence County has been the community’s response to violence and abuse, serving victims of Domestic Violence, Sexual Assault and Other Serious Crimes and Older Victims of Any Crime, as well as services to Human Trafficking victims, while also working to prevent violence and abuse through prevention education, intervention training and public awareness. Therapy services have been added for trauma victims.  As a member of the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Domestic Violence, the local shelter is active in the oldest and most respected coalition in the country. Statewide, the Shelter’s services are recognized for innovative program excellence.
Hotline: 724-652-9036
 

The National Domestic Violence Hotline

Operating around the clock, seven days a week, confidential and free of cost, the National Domestic Violence Hotline provides lifesaving tools and immediate support to enable victims to find safety and live lives free of abuse. Callers to The Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) can expect highly trained, experienced advocates to offer compassionate support, crisis intervention information, educational services and referral services in more than 200 languages. Visitors to this site can find information about domestic violence, online instructional materials, safety planning, local resources and ways to support the organization.
Hotline: 1-800-799-7233
 

Women's Center of Beaver County

Since 1976, victims and survivors of domestic and sexual violence have found the help and hope they need at the Women’s Center of Beaver County.  They are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Their services are always confidential and provided free of charge. They provide crisis intervention, emergency shelter, counseling, legal and medical advocacy and prevention education. The Women’s Center advocates for ALL victims and survivors of domestic violence and sexual assault without regard to status, race, ethnicity, gender, age, sexual orientation, physical ability or language.
Hotline: 724-775-0131
 

Women's Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh

For over 45 years, Women’s Center & Shelter of Greater Pittsburgh has been a leader in providing safety, shelter, support and guidance to all survivors of domestic violence. During this time, they have been witness to both the triumphs and heartaches associated with this complex issue that affects 1 out of 4 women in America. They know that no two situations are ever alike, but it is through our common understanding and genuine compassion that they can offer a sanctuary to women and their children suffering at the hands of domestic violence. Today, their mission is to advance the safety and wellbeing of survivors of intimate partner violence and prevent and respond to intimate partner violence through social change.
Hotline: 412-687-8005
 

Break the Cycle

Break the Cycle inspires and supports young people 12 - 24 to build healthy relationships and create a culture without abuse. They are a culturally affirming organization that centers young people, caring adults, and communities in our prevention and intervention efforts. Their dynamic and diverse team believes that all young people deserve to live in a world where they can thrive.

Eden's Farm

Eden's Farm provides a safe place, resources, and trauma-informed care to survivors of human trafficking and commercial sexual exploitation. The organization partners with other Pittsburgh-based groups to help survivors navigate life after trafficking. Transitional housing is available.