How to Recognise Human Trafficking and Where to Report It

Escorts Guide is a directory for independent adults who choose to advertise themselves. Human trafficking and coercion are the opposite of everything that stands for. Clients, companions, hotel staff and drivers are often the people best placed to notice that something is wrong. This guide explains the warning signs and what to do.

What trafficking is

Human trafficking means recruiting, transporting or holding a person by force, threats, deception or abuse of vulnerability in order to exploit them, including sexually. A person cannot consent to their own exploitation, and anyone under 18 involved in commercial sex is a victim in law, whatever they say. Trafficking does not always involve crossing borders, and victims are not always physically locked up. Control is often achieved through debt, threats to family, confiscated documents or emotional manipulation.

Warning signs

No single sign proves trafficking, but several together should concern you. Indicators listed by organisations such as the UN Office on Drugs and Crime and national anti-slavery bodies include:

Control by someone else

Someone else answers the phone, negotiates, takes the money or drives the person to and from bookings.
The person seems to have no say over clients, hours or services.
The same phone number or wording appears across many different profiles.

Restricted freedom

The person does not hold their own passport or ID.
They seem unable to leave the premises or are always accompanied.
They live and work at the same address with several others.

Fear and vulnerability

They appear frightened, anxious, submissive or watched.
They show signs of physical abuse, exhaustion or malnutrition.
They seem to follow a script, or do not know the address or city they are in.
They mention a debt that they must work off.

Age

Any sign that the person may be under 18. If in doubt, do not proceed.

What to do if you are a client

Do not go ahead. End the meeting politely and leave. In England and Wales, paying for the services of someone subjected to coercion is a crime even if you did not know.
Do not confront anyone or try to rescue the person yourself. It can put them and you in danger.
Note what you can: the address, phone number, profile link, descriptions and vehicle details.
Report it to a helpline or the police. You can usually report anonymously.
Report the ad to the site. On Escorts Guide, use our contact page.

What to do if you are being controlled

If someone is forcing you to work, taking your money or holding your documents, it is not your fault and help is available. Many helplines are free, confidential and can provide interpreters. Victims of trafficking can be entitled to protection, accommodation and support, and in many countries are protected from prosecution for offences they were forced to commit.

Helplines and reporting

Emergency: 112 anywhere in the EU, 999 in the UK, 911 in the US.
United Kingdom: Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline, 08000 121 700, 24 hours.
United States: National Human Trafficking Hotline, 1-888-373-7888, or text 233733.
Spain: National Police anti-trafficking line, 900 10 50 90.
Germany: Violence Against Women Support Hotline (Hilfetelefon), 116 016, in many languages.
Portugal: APAV victim support line, 116 006.
Elsewhere in Europe: the La Strada International network lists member organisations in many countries.

Our commitment

Under our terms, advertisers must be adults and every person shown or described in an ad must be at least 18. We review ads and act on reports. If you see an ad that worries you, tell us. Every report is taken seriously.

Frequently asked questions

Can I report anonymously?

Yes. Most helplines, including the UK Modern Slavery & Exploitation Helpline and the US National Human Trafficking Hotline, accept anonymous reports.

What if I am not sure?

You do not need to be certain. Helplines are there to assess concerns. Share what you saw and let trained staff decide what to do.

Will the person I report get into trouble?

Victims of trafficking are generally treated as victims, not offenders, and are entitled to support. Reporting concerns is the best way to help them.