Don't Become a Victim: Twelve Tips on How to Protect Yourself From Trafficking

What is Human Trafficking?

Sex trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery and is more prevalent today than ever before. It is a worldwide issue in which an individual is sold repeatedly for sexual exploitation.

Anyone can fall victim to sex trafficking, including men, women, and children. However, certain groups of people are at higher risk and are more vulnerable than others. Those who lack a support network, are homeless, or are runaways are prime targets, as it is easier for a trafficker to deceive, groom, and control their victim.

In addition, Traffickers target vulnerable young people who have low self-esteem and may be looking for love or acceptance.

There are many ways in which a sex trafficker will hunt for their next target, including places such as malls, schools, and social media. They will even search for unsuspecting victims in the grocery store or wait for them in the parking lot.

However, there are certain precautions you can take to protect yourself and your loved ones. Here are some basic tips to help you stay safe.

How to Protect Yourself

1. Avoid walking alone ~ When possible, avoid traveling alone and travel in groups. Stay away from secluded and quiet areas, especially at night. Keep something in your hands that can be used as a weapon, such as car keys or mace. If you find yourself in a compromising situation and you have nothing to defend yourself with, look for something such as a rock, stick, or something that will cause damage. Remember, your life may depend on it. And don’t be afraid to make lots of noise. Scream for help.

2. Be aware of your surroundings ~ Always be aware of your surroundings. Avoid texting, browsing social media, or talking on the phone when you are alone in public. You should be focused on everything around you. Avoid wearing earphones that might prevent you from hearing anyone coming up behind you. And, if you should find yourself lost, never appear so. Look confident and seek a safe place to ask for help.

3. Always trust your instincts ~ Your instincts come from the Almighty God in Christ Jesus. If something doesn't feel right, trust that. Do not second-guess yourself or feel foolish. Get to a safe place and call for help.

Never accept things from strangers. Traffickers can lace papers and items with drugs that are absorbed into the skin, which can cause you to get drowsy and pass out. Sometimes they will also pretend to need directions and place something close to your face with powdery substances on it. So, please stay away from people on the street!

4. Do not trust people easily ~ Traffickers will approach a victim anywhere and make certain offers such as a modeling opportunity, a singing career, or a promising job. Some will even establish a false friendship with you to gain trust. If it sounds too good to be true, it usually is.

Don't trust someone just because they are female.

5. Women can also be sex traffickers ~ Don’t trust a stranger just because they are a female. Women are sex traffickers too, and, in my opinion, the worst kind. As human beings, we tend to be more trusting of women. They remind us of our sisters, mothers, or friends. Women sex traffickers see this as a weakness and will use this against their victims to trick, deceive, and trap them. It is the ultimate betrayal.

6. Be vigilant in parking lots ~ Traffickers will stalk and wait for you in the parking lot. Watch for any suspicious activity, such as a painter’s van in the vicinity. These types of vehicles are large, have no windows, and are the perfect way for a trafficker to abduct their victim. If a suspicious vehicle is parked near your car, especially if it wasn’t there when you initially parked it, do not go near your car! Go to a safe location and call for help. Update: These predators are getting more crafty and might use more sophisticated-looking vans, such as a Mercedes or other expensive vehicle, in the hopes of catching their victims off guard. Most people might not think that an abductor is lurking inside a luxury vehicle, so be aware of this type of van as well.

7. Be careful when driving ~ If you believe you are being followed when driving, do not go home. Get 911 on the phone and drive to the nearest police department. Give as much information to the dispatcher as possible, such as vehicle description (color, make, model), suspect description, and your location. Stay on the phone until help arrives.

8. Use social media wisely ~ Do not post personal information on social media such as your address, phone number, or any other private information. Turn off your location settings and make sure your posts are only visible to your friends and family. Avoid “checking in” to places on social media, especially while you are at them. Set your privacy settings to “private” and block any unwanted messages from strangers. Report any suspicious activity to the social media platform you are using. There is usually a “report” button for this.

9. Always meet strangers in a public place ~ Whether it’s a blind date or a business meeting, always meet the person in a public place, and under no circumstances do you ever tell them where you live. Stay in touch with close friends or family members and update them with your whereabouts and any information you can give about the person you are meeting. I personally wouldn't agree to meet with anyone that I do not know, but some of you might have careers or jobs that require you to meet with clients, so please be careful.

10. Talk to your children ~ Have age-appropriate conversations with your children about sex trafficking. Ask them about any suspicious activities from strangers and teach them how to protect themselves. Learn more here from Deliver Fund. See the chart below from author and sex trafficking survivor Sandy Storm for suggestions on how to speak with your children

11. Beware of Romantic Partners ~ Sex traffickers are not always people who abduct others off the street. They can also be a romantic partner or someone you might be interested in. Red flags to look out for include lavish affection and gifts from the beginning of the relationship. These types of predators like to groom their victims through "love bombing" in the early stages. They also demand your constant attention, insisting on spending all their time with you through texts, phone calls, or physical interactions. They may also make grand declarations of love or act like they have a special connection with you very early in the relationship. They will carefully listen to your problems, studying you to learn your vulnerabilities and then promise to fulfill your needs, such as a desire for a better life, financial stability, or a loving family. They will also isolate you from your loved ones and friends. This tactic is used to isolate you from your support network, allowing them to gain more control over you. Later on in the relationship, the victim is abused to the point of having no self-esteem and is forcibly manipulated into sex acts with the romantic partner, as well as with other people.

    
    

    

12. Practice Self-Love ~ Self-love is crucial in protecting yourself against predators. No matter where you are in life, know that you are enough and that you are loved. God loves you. Jesus loves you. You were made in the image of God and are fearfully made: "I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made: your works are wonderful, I know that full well" (Psalm 139:14). In fact, Jesus said it is mandatory that we love ourselves before we can love others. It is one of the two greatest commandments of God: "Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: Love your neighbor as yourself. There is no commandment greater than these" (Mark 12: 30-31). If you need some help on how to start loving yourself as God loves you, please look at this video on self-love.

    
    

Resources and Help

In conclusion, traffickers will prey on young people and runaways. If you, or someone you know, is having problems at home or is in an abusive situation, please pray FIRST to God for direction and guidance, and He will help you, because He is faithful: "But the Lord is faithful, and He will strengthen you and protect you from the evil one" (2 Thessalonians 3:3).

To learn more or to get help for yourself or someone else who may be a victim of sex trafficking, please visit the National Human Trafficking Hotline Website. Phone number is 1-888-373-7888. I do not know this organization personally, so do your research, and again, pray, BEFORE you call.

Another valuable resource is Helping Survivors. Their website is www.helpingsurvivors.org.

Stay informed, be vigilant, and stay safe.

Author’s Bio

Isabella Boston is a wordsmith and the creator of Bella’s Attic Studio®: A multi-media writing platform and storytelling blog specializing in copywriting, marketing, and content writing.

She is well-versed in medical terminology and scientific research with a focus on the areas of neuroscience, immunology, and functional health. She is also a diarist, creative nonfiction writer, and self-published author.

Aside from being a writer, Isabella is a book lover, a language enthusiast, and, most importantly, a woman of God in Christ Jesus.

"Together we can share your stories, promote your cause, and connect you to your target audience one word at a time."