January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month

January 5, 2022

January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. It is a key time for us all as individuals to educate ourselves about human trafficking and learn to spot the signs of trafficking.

Human trafficking doesn’t just happen undercover, on the dark web, or in far off places. Human trafficking happens in our midst more than we realize, and we can all be part of the solution by recognizing signs and reporting suspicious activity.

This video featuring a SEPTA Transit Police Officer outlines the following tips for spotting something that doesn’t look right.

- Does the person appear disconnected or fearful from those around them?

- Are you seeing a child riding the system when school is in session?

- Is a juvenile engaged in sex acts?

- Has the person had a sudden dramatic change in behavior?

- Is the person disoriented or confused, or showing signs of mental or physical abuse

- Does the person have bruises in various stages of healing?

- Is the person fearful, timid, or submissive, or lack freedom of movement?

- Does the person show signs of having been denied food, water, sleep, or medical care?

- Is the person in the company of someone to whom they defer?

If you do suspect something is off, do not confront but instead take the following actions to report the incident:

- Capture a picture if possible

- Use the Transit Watch App

- If on SEPTA property, call 215-580-8111

- If not on SEPTA property, call 888-373-7888, 911, or the local police department

Let's end human trafficking together.