For Immediate Release
January 11, 2023
 
TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – In observation of Human Trafficking Awareness Day today, Florida Department of Law Enforcement recognizes the victims of these abhorrent crimes.
 
FDLE Assistant Commissioner Shane Pollard said, “Human trafficking victims often endure unspeakable violence including depravation of their basic humanity. In Florida, FDLE and our partners everyday work to identify and stop these crimes as well as the crimes associated with human trafficking.  If you are a victim or suspect someone is being trafficked, please report it by calling 911, your local law enforcement agency or Florida’s See Something, Say Something hotline at 1-855-FLA-SAFE.”
 
The public can help stop human trafficking by knowing the signs and reporting suspected human trafficking. Traffickers may force or coerce victims to work in the service industry, agricultural and construction industry, and sex trafficking. Signs of human trafficking include:
 

• Disoriented/confused behavior
• Fearful of the person they are with
• Fearful to discuss how they live or work
• Restricted or controlled in communicating with others
• May panic or become combative when encountered by law enforcement
• Timid toward the person they are with or others
• Have brandings
• Are malnourished
• Have signs of drug addiction
• Have injuries in various stages of healing
• Show signs of fatigue or sleep deprivation
• Do not have personal means of transportation, financial resources/records or possession of their own legal/travel documents

 
If you are a victim or if you suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking, please call 911; your local law enforcement agency; Florida’s See Something, Say Something hotline at 1-855 FLA-SAFE (855-352-7233); the National Human Trafficking Resource center at 1-888-373-7888; the U.S. Department of Justice Hotline at 1-888-428-7581; the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE (1-800-962-2873); or by text HELP to 233733 (BEFREE).
 
Visit our website for additional information at www.fdle.state.fl.us.
 
For Additional Information Contact:
FDLE Public Information office 
(850) 410-7001