Human Trafficking Awareness

Human Trafficking Awareness

Know the Signs. Take Action. Help End Human Trafficking.

Human trafficking is a serious crime and a violation of basic human rights. It involves the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, buying, or selling of people for labor or commercial sex through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. This crime violates basic human rights and deprives victims of dignity, freedom, and personal safety. Human trafficking can happen in any community and remains a serious national concern. 

Community awareness and accountability play an important role in reducing exploitation and addressing behaviors that enable human trafficking. The Blue Campaign is a national public awareness effort that provides education and practical tools to help residents, law enforcement, and community partners recognize the signs of trafficking, report concerns safely, and support those affected. By staying informed and sharing trusted resources, we all can help build a safer community from exploitation.
 Learn More About the DHS Blue Campaign 

  1. What Is It
  2. Recognizing
  3. Reporting

What Is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is the exploitation of another person for labor or commercial sex. It is not only about moving someone from place to place. The key issue is control and exploitation. Traffickers may use threats, lies, manipulation, or abuse to keep a person from leaving the situation.

  • Labor trafficking: Forcing someone to work in jobs such as agriculture, factories, restaurants, housekeeping, or other labor with little or no pay.
  • Sex trafficking: Forcing or pressuring someone to engage in commercial sex acts, often through threats, violence, or manipulation.
  • Domestic servitude: Controlling someone in a private home and requiring ongoing work without fair pay or the freedom to leave.

Who is at Risk?

Traffickers are opportunists who use moments of vulnerability to gain control of a person. Anyone can be targeted, but some individuals face higher risk. Traffickers often look for people who are easier to manipulate or control, especially those who feel alone, stressed, have limited resources, or may not know their rights.

  • Individuals experiencing homelessness or unstable housing
  • Youth and young adults, including those who have run away or been in foster care
  • People with limited English skills or unfamiliarity with local laws
  • Individuals with limited social support or family connections
  • People facing financial hardship, debt, or job insecurity

Through awareness and early action, residents can help identify and reduce situations that place people at risk.

Learn More from the DHS Center for Countering Human Trafficking