Human trafficking, a modern form of slavery, exploits millions globally by preying on vulnerability. The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 defines human trafficking as:
- Sex trafficking: The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person for commercial sex induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or involving a minor. (22 U.S.C. § 7102(11)(A))
- Forced labor: The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services through force, fraud, or coercion, for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery. (22 U.S.C. § 7102(11)(B))
As the United States Department of State emphasizes, human trafficking “fuels crime, corruption, and violence. It distorts our economies and harms our workers.” While it can affect anyone, certain populations face higher risks. These include individuals in industries with limited legal protections, those experiencing homelessness or poverty, survivors of domestic violence, and individuals with a history of childhood abuse or neglect.
The Role of Public Awareness and Mandatory Posters
Combating human trafficking is a complex challenge, but increasing public awareness is a critical strategy for its eradication. Many states have enacted laws requiring specific businesses to display human trafficking awareness posters. These posters are vital tools, offering crucial information to victims, potential victims, and the public alike. They highlight the signs of human trafficking and explain how to report suspected cases, empowering businesses to join the fight against this grave crime.
Certain industries are uniquely positioned to identify human trafficking, often due to their location, the anonymity their services may offer, or their 24/7 operations. Sectors like retail, transportation, and hospitality can significantly contribute by educating frontline employees on recognizing and reporting indicators of human trafficking on the job.
Mandated human trafficking posters act as silent yet powerful advocates. They frequently serve as the only lifeline for victims and provide crucial information to the public on how to report suspected cases. Understanding these requirements is not only essential for compliance—as failing to post them can result in fines—but, more importantly, for creating environments where victims can find the help they desperately need.
Poster Requirements
Most required human trafficking posters must adhere to specific size and font size guidelines to ensure easy visibility. States typically mandate placement in prominent locations, such as near entrances and in or near bathrooms. For instance, California, Georgia, Idaho, and Illinois require posters to be at least 8.5” x 11”.
Additionally, some states require the text to be in multiple languages. Louisiana, for example, mandates posters be printed in English, Louisiana French, Spanish, and any other languages required by the Commissioner of Alcohol and Tobacco Control.
The guide linked below provides a comprehensive overview of these state-specific mandates.
State-Specific Mandates for Human Trafficking Posters
Beyond Mandates: Collective Action Against Human Trafficking
Human trafficking isn’t confined to adult entertainment venues or transportation hubs; it can unfortunately occur in any business. While some states now legally require the display of human trafficking awareness posters, businesses in areas without such mandates can still play a vital role in combating this crime.
One excellent resource is the U.S. Department of Defense’s human trafficking awareness poster. This poster provides crucial information, including the National Human Trafficking Hotline number and a list of common signs of human trafficking. Displaying it voluntarily helps create a safer environment for everyone, empowering your employees and customers to recognize and report suspicious activity. It’s also worth noting that it’s likely only a matter of time before more states enact mandatory posting laws.
For more information on human trafficking, we recommend visiting the websites of the:
- National Human Trafficking Hotline
- Polaris Project
- U.S. Department of Justice
- State-specific anti-trafficking organizations
Questions About Posters for Your Business?
Do you have questions about displaying human trafficking awareness posters in your specific business locations? Our Compliance Advisors are here to help.
Contact us or give us a call at 1-800-817-7678.
About the author:
Viridiana Huerta is a legal research associate with over a decade of experience in the Legal Research Department at Compliance Poster Company. She earned her degrees in Economics and Hispanic Studies from Scripps College, where she was a member of the Sigma Delta Pi (National Honors Spanish Society) and a recipient of the Gabriela Mistral Prize.
Before her current role, Viridiana worked in the publishing industry, where she specialized in analytical research and editing. Her research focused on business planning, budgeting and forecasting, organizational performance, and employee engagement.
