How You Can Contribute to Preventing Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is a pervasive issue affecting individuals both domestically and internationally, with cases occurring in our own communities, even in areas near military installations. Â While January is dedicated to raising awareness, the Department of Defense and the Army and Air Force Exchange Service commitment to identifying, preventing and responding to human trafficking incidents remains steadfast throughout the year.
Combatting Trafficking in Persons (TIP) is a collective responsibility that starts with you. As members of the Exchange community, we all have a crucial role to play in preventing and addressing human trafficking. Here’s how each member can contribute:
- Stay Informed: Being aware of the signs of human trafficking is the first step. Recognizing these signs/indicators empowers you to take timely action.
| Some Key Indicators of TIP | |
| Physical/Environmental Indicators | Psychological/Behavioral Indicators |
| · Signs of physical abuse | · Fearful |
| · Someone speaks for them | · Submissive |
| · Being escorted or closely monitored at all times | · Anxious |
| · Does not possess identification papers | · Nervous |
| · Lives at or is confined to their worksite | · Depressed |
| · Is in debt bondage to employer | · Dependent on others |
| · Answers appear to be scripted or rehearsed | ·  Lacks ability to move freely |
Not all indicators listed above are present in every human trafficking situation, and the presence or absence of any of the indicators is not necessarily proof of human trafficking.
- Be Vigilant: Stay vigilant in your surroundings. Trafficking can happen anywhere, and your attentiveness to unusual behavior or signs of exploitation can be a critical factor in identifying potential cases.
- Report Suspected TIP Violations to:
- Your supervisory chain
- The Exchange Office of Inspector General at https://odin.aafes.com/oig
- DoD IG Hotline at http://www.dodig.mil/hotline
- Local law enforcement when suspicious activity is observed in the community outside military installations.
Combatting trafficking in persons begins with each one of us. Your awareness, vigilance and commitment reporting suspected cases can save lives and contribute to the broader goal of ending human trafficking.
Remember, your actions matter, and together, we can make a lasting impact in the fight against trafficking in persons.
Will Davis is a senior inspector general for the Exchange. He wrote this article in conjunction with the Exchange’s Combating Trafficking in Persons Working Group.
