Messages For Communicating With Victims of Human Trafficking

Most victims of trafficking experience intense fear – of their traffickers and of being deported. Therefore, when interacting with potential trafficking victims, it is important to reassure them that they are safe so you can begin the process of helping them get the protection and assistance they need to rebuild their lives safely in the United States. Gaining the trust of trafficking victims is an important first step in providing assistance.

Sample messages to convey to victims of human trafficking to help gain this trust include:

• We are here to help you.
• Our first priority is your safety.
• Under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000, victims of trafficking can apply for special visas or could receive other forms of immigration relief.
• We will give you the medical care that you need.
• We can find you a safe place to stay.
• You have a right to live without being abused.
• You deserve the chance to become self-sufficient and independent.
• We can help get you what you need.
• We can help to protect your family.
• You can trust me.
• We want to make sure what happened to you doesn't happen to anyone else.
• You have rights.
• You are entitled to assistance. We can help you get assistance.
• If you are a victim of trafficking, you can receive help to rebuild your life safely in this country.

If you think you have come in contact with a victim of human trafficking, call the National Human Trafficking Resource Center at 1.888.3737.888. This hotline will help you determine if you have encountered victims of human trafficking, will identify local resources available in your community to help victims, and will help you coordinate with local social service organizations to help protect and serve victims so they can begin the process of restoring their lives. For more information on human trafficking visit www.acf.hhs.gov/trafficking.