The District of Columbia law (D. C. Code § 22 – 1843) encourages businesses to post the District of Columbia Human Trafficking Poster in an effort to combat and prevent human trafficking.
Sex trafficking warning signs include:
- Running away from home
- Truancy/not attending school
- Older boyfriends
- Signs of physical abuse such as burn marks, bruises, or cuts
- New tattoos (traffickers often use tattoos as a form of branding)
Labor trafficking warning signs include:
- Is unpaid, paid very little, or paid only through tips
- Works excessively long or unusual hours
- Is not free to leave or come and go as he/she wishes
- Owes a large debt and is unable to pay it off
- Withholds of documents such as passport/security card
The District of Columbia Human Trafficking Poster provides the National Human Trafficking Resource Center Hotline number. Individuals can get help by calling the hotline or texting “HELP” to 233733 (BE FREE).