What is Human Trafficking?

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the different types of human trafficking?

The two main forms of human trafficking, as designated in the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, are Labor Trafficking and Sex Trafficking.



Who are trafficking victims?

Anyone can be a victim of human trafficking, regardless of their background, gender, socioeconomic status, nationality, race, religion, ethnicity, or education level. Traffickers exploit an individual's vulnerabilities in order to exert control through force, fraud, and/or coercion. Although anyone can be a victim of human trafficking, individuals who are marginalized by society are particularly vulnerable to exploitation.



Where does trafficking happen?

Human trafficking can happen anywhere! Although we often hear of human trafficking as being a problem outside of the United States, it can and does happen across communities in our own country. In big cities, small towns, and everywhere in between, individuals are at risk for exploitation. Contact us today to learn more about efforts to combat human trafficking in your local Colorado community.



How can I help end human trafficking in my community?

Collaborations have formed across Colorado to address human trafficking. To learn more about an organization in your area, visit the Anti-Trafficking Efforts in Colorado page, or contact us.



What resources are available for victims of human trafficking?

Victims of human trafficking may need a variety of resources, including housing, financial support, employment assistance, and more. To learn about specific resources available in your area, visit the Get Help/Report A Tip page, or the Denver Area Resource Guide page.



How can I learn more about human trafficking?

Visit the following websites to learn more about human trafficking in the United States: Office for Victims of Crime Blue Campaign U.S. Department of Labor Polaris Project



How is human smuggling different from human trafficking?

Human smuggling is a transnational crime that involves the unlawful crossing of an international border, with the consent of the individual being transported. Human trafficking is exploitation-based (for commerical sexual purposes or for forced labor) and does not require transportation to occur. To learn more about the differences between human smuggling and human trafficking, visit the U.S. Department of State website.



What is the difference between a victim and a survivor?

In the criminal justice system, individuals who have experienced crimes committed against them are referred to as victims. Crime victims are ensured certain rights under the Colorado Victim Rights Act (VRA). To learn more about the Colorado VRA, visit the Colorado Division of Criminal Justice website. Some crime victims choose to identify as survivors, as it can be an empowering term to describe one's journey of healing. Not every individual who has experienced a trafficking situation chooses to identify with being labled as a victim or a survivor. If you are unsure of how a crime victim identifies, do not assume a label for them; if appropriate, respectfully ask an individual how they choose to identify.



What are the signs/indicators of a human trafficking?

Human trafficking can be difficult to identify. Some indicators of possible sex or labor trafficking may include: malnourishment; an individual being unable to speak freely; not having control of one's documents; dramatic behavioral changes; signs of physical and/or emotional abuse; having inconsistent or odd work hours; lacking personal possessions; and being unfamiliar with their surroundings. The forementioned indicators do not neccessarily mean there is human trafficking occuring. For more information on human trafficking indicators, visit the Blue Campaign. Please note, if you suspect a trafficking situation, do not intervene; rather, immediately contact law enforcement.



What should I do if I suspect a human trafficking situation?

If you suspect a human trafficking situation, please find a safe space to call law enforcement. In case of emergency, immediately call 911. ​ To report a tip, get help, and/or learn about resources, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text message 233733 (BeFree). Advocates are available 24/7. Information may be submitted anonymously. ​ For service directory information specific to Colorado, call the local CoNET Hotline at 1-866-455-5075. ​ To contact the Denver Police Department's Non-Emergency Help line, call 720-913-2000 , or call Crime Stoppers Anonymous Tips at 720-913-7867 (STOP).