Human Trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of someone for the purposes of compelled labor or a commercial sex act through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. Where a person younger than 18 is induced to perform a commercial sex act, it is a crime regardless of whether there is any force, fraud, or coercion. Victims can be anyone from around the world or right next door: women and men, adults and children, citizens and noncitizens alike.
— IN AN EMERGENCY, PLEASE CALL 911 —
Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 to:
- GET HELP and connect with a service provider in your area;
- REPORT A TIP with information on potential human trafficking activity; or
- LEARN MORE by requesting training, technical assistance, or resources.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline is a national, toll-free hotline available to answer calls from anywhere in the country, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year. The Hotline is not a law enforcement or immigration authority and is operated by a nongovernmental organization funded by the Federal government.
Call federal law enforcement directly to report suspected human trafficking activity and get help:
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security at 1-866-347-2423 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, every day of the year, or submit a tip online at www.ice.gov/tips . Individuals across the world can report suspicious criminal activity to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) Tip Line. The Tip Line is accessible internationally by calling 1-802-872-6199. Highly trained specialists take reports from both the public and law enforcement agencies on more than 400 laws enforced by ICE HSI, including those related to human trafficking.
- You may also submit a tip online to the FBI at https://tips.fbi.gov/ , or call your local FBI office (you can get their number at https://www.fbi.gov/contact-us/field-offices/field-offices .
- The State Department’s Diplomatic Security Service (DSS) investigates visa and passport fraud. Human trafficking often include visa fraud. As a result, DSS works with its U.S. and international law enforcement partners to investigate these crimes. Additionally, DSS leads on the investigation of trafficking cases when they involve diplomats. To submit a tip, please email TraffickingTips@state.gov.
Call the following federal government lines for other assistance:
- U.S. Department of Labor, Wage and Hour Division at 1-866-4USWAGE (1-866-487-9243) for cases where labor exploitation may be present but does not rise to the threshold of trafficking.
- U.S. Department of Labor OIG Hotline at 1-202-693-6999 or 1-800-347-3756, hotline@oig.dol.gov, or http://www.oig.dol.gov/hotlinemain.htm 24 hours a day, 7 days a week to report allegations of trafficking committed through fraud in DOL programs, including, but not limited to, the H-1B, H-2A, H-2B, and PERM. When filing an OIG Hotline complaint, it is not necessary to provide names or any other identifying information.
- Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC) at 1-800-669-4000 from 7:00am to 8:00pm (EST) for information about how workers, including trafficking victims, can file a charge of employment discrimination.
Report suspected child sex trafficking activity to the CyberTipline:
- The National Center for Missing & Exploited Children, at 1-800-THE-LOST or www.cybertipline.com , 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The Congressionally-authorized CyberTipline is operated by a nongovernmental organization and provides a means for reporting crimes against children and is staffed 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
Hotlines:
- National Human Trafficking Hotline (USA):
- Call: 1-888-373-7888
- Text: “BEFREE” or “HELP” to 233733
- CyberTipline for reporting child sexual exploitation:
- Call: 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678) or online at www.cybertipline.com
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security TIP Line:
- Call: 1-866-DHS-2-ICE (1-866-347-2423) or www.ice.gov/tips
Organizations:
- Polaris:
- Operates the National Human Trafficking Hotline and focuses on combatting human trafficking through data analysis and systemic change.
- Website: polarisproject.org
- X (Twitter): @Polaris_Project
- International Justice Mission (IJM):
- Works on policy change, training, and direct intervention in cases of human trafficking globally.
- Website: ijm.org
- X (Twitter): @IJM
- The Exodus Road:
- Focuses on intervention, working with local law enforcement to free victims of human trafficking.
- Website: theexodusroad.com
- X (Twitter): @TheExodusRoad
- Free the Girls:
- Provides support and opportunities for survivors of human trafficking.
- Website: freethegirls.org
- X (Twitter): @FreeTheGirls
- Rapha International:
- Offers safe places and comprehensive care for those healing from abuse and exploitation.
- Website: rapha.org
- X (Twitter): @RaphaInt
- Agape International Missions (AIM):
- Engages in both prevention and aftercare programming in Cambodia.
- Website: aimfree.org
- X (Twitter): @AIMFree
- Meninadança:
- Runs programs in Brazil to help girls escape prostitution through dance and education.
- Website: meninadanca.org
- X (Twitter): @MeninaDanca
- End Slavery Now:
- Provides resources and opportunities for individuals to get involved in anti-trafficking efforts.
- Website: endslaverynow.org
- X (Twitter): @EndSlaveryNow
- Coalition to Abolish Slavery and Trafficking (CAST):
- Focuses on advocacy, direct services, and policy reform in Los Angeles.
- Website: castla.org
- X (Twitter): @CAST_LA
- ECPAT International:
- A global network aimed at ending the sexual exploitation of children.
- Website: ecpat.org
- X (Twitter): @ECPAT
Experts and Resources:
- Dr. Siddharth Kara – An expert on human trafficking with extensive research and publications on the subject.
- The Global Slavery Index:
- Provides data and insights into modern slavery, helping to inform policy and public understanding.
- Website: globalslaveryindex.org
- Trafficking in Persons Report by the U.S. Department of State:
- An annual report detailing government efforts worldwide to combat human trafficking.
- Website: state.gov
This list includes both well-known international and national organizations along with key contact points for immediate assistance or information. When in doubt or if immediate help is needed, contacting the National Human Trafficking Hotline is often recommended as a first step due to its 24/7 availability and multilingual support.
Remember, for immediate assistance or to report a trafficking situation, you should use the hotline numbers provided. These websites and social media links can be used for further information, to get involved, or to support their initiatives.