What Can I Do

Everyone has a role in preventing and ending child sexual exploitation and human trafficking.

Be aware of indicators and make the difference in someone’s life.

While no single indicator confirms the existence of child sex trafficking, several indicators combined can mean it is more likely that a child is being exploited or is actively being targeted and recruited.

LOOK.

Changes in school attendance, habits, virtual behavior, friend groups, vocabulary, demeanor, and attitude

Sudden appearance of luxury items s/he cannot afford — e.g., manicures, designer clothes, purses

Refillable gift cards

Sexually suggestive clothing or clothing inappropriate for the weather

Tattoos or branding

Multiple phones or social media accounts and/or lying about the existence of social media accounts

Inappropriate, sexually suggestive pictures posted online or stored on the phone

Unexplained injuries, unaddressed medical issues, or accesses medical care alone or with unrelated adult

Social interaction and schedule seem to be controlled by someone else

Isolation from family, friends, and community

Age-inappropriate friends, boyfriends/girlfriends

LISTEN.

References traveling to other cities or states or lacks knowledge of travel plans, destinations, or current location

Seems unsure, hesitant to answer, or lies when asked about age and identity

Looks to others before answering questions or avoids answering questions and lets others speak for him or her

Does not ask for help or resists offers to get out of the situation

Uses trafficking-related terms like “trick,” “the life,” or “the game”

Preoccupied with or anxious about “getting money”

Seems unsure about where s/he lives; has a history of running away

References traveling job opportunities, including modeling, singing and/or dancing in a music group, or magazine sales crew

CALL.

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, call 911.

If you or someone you know is being exploited, call local law enforcement. In Deschutes County, call (541) 693-6911

If you have questions or concerns and want to talk to an advocate, call the at: project, a program of J Bar J Youth Services at 541-647-0658

If you want to report a tip, ask a question, or connect to help from anywhere in the U.S., contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888. Text: 233733 (BeFree)