Signs a child may be a victim of sexual exploitation/trafficking
Possible Indicators of Sexual Exploitation of Minors:
Does not attend school or demonstrates an inability to attend school on a regular basis and/or has unexplained absences
Makes references to frequent travel to other cities or cannot account for whereabouts over the previous several days, weeks or months
Exhibits bruises or other signs of physical trauma
Signs of torture (e.g., cigarette burns)
Brands, such as tattoos, or scarring, indicating ownership
Does not have access to health care; appears to be in poor health
Is hungry, malnourished, deprived of sleep, or inappropriately dressed (based on weather conditions or surroundings)
Clothing may appear dirty and worn
Individual is dressed in inappropriate clothing (i.e., lingerie or other attire associated with the sex industry)
Shows signs of drug or alcohol addiction
Has coached/rehearsed responses to questions
Has numerous inconsistencies in his/her story
Is not allowed or able to speak for themselves (a third party may insist on being present and/or translating)
Avoids eye contact
Appears fearful, anxious, depressed, submissive, tense, nervous/paranoid, or extremely shy
Exhibits unusually fearful or anxious behavior after bringing up law enforcement
Has few or no personal possessions
Is traveling with minimal or inappropriate luggage/belongings
Is not in control of his/her own money, no financial records, or bank account
Is not in control of his/her own identification documents (ID or passport)
Uses false identification
Claims of just visiting and inability to clarify where he/she is staying/address
Lack of knowledge of whereabouts and/or do not know what city he/she is currently occupying
Loss of sense of time
Possible Indicators for parents/relatives/friends:
Demonstrates a sudden change in attire, personal hygiene, relationships, or material possessions
Become noticeably withdrawn, angry, or distant
Acts uncharacteristically promiscuous and/or makes references to sexual situations or terminology that are beyond age-specific norms
Has a "boyfriend" or "girlfriend" who is noticeably older
Evidence of controlling or dominating relationships – i.e. repeated phone calls from a "boyfriend" and/or excessive concern about displeasing a partner
Attempts to conceal recent scars
Frequently runs away from home and can't account for whereabouts during recent absences
Dramatically changes their circle of friends
Makes references to staying in different hotels in the city in which they reside, or other cities without parents
Gets rides from different people, in different cars and doesn't allow parents to meet the driver