Recently I had to educate myself on the subject, because when I hear "human trafficking" my mind pictures the definition of human smuggling.
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Human trafficking involves exploitation and coercion for purposes such as forced labor or sex work, while on the other hand, human smuggling is illegal facilitation of border crossings for financial gain. 
Human trafficking encompasses three primary forms: 
the sex trade, forced labor, and domestic servitude. 

The intricate nature of human trafficking often allows traffickers to operate under the radar, while those ensnared in trafficking situations may not recognize themselves as victims, often internalizing blame for their predicament. Tragically, victims may be misclassified and treated as criminals or undocumented migrants. Some find themselves concealed within households, serving as domestic workers, while others endure commercial sexual exploitation or forced labor in plain sight, such as in exotic dance clubs, factories, or restaurants. Unfortunately, due to inadequate training and awareness, they go unnoticed by the public eye.  These industries exploit vulnerable individuals, subjecting them to exploitation, coercion, and abuse for financial gain.

Below are indicators that may suggest a potential human trafficking situation and warrant reporting:

• Living with Employer: Victims may reside with their employer, particularly in cases of domestic servitude or forced labor.
• Poor Living Conditions: Substandard housing conditions, such as overcrowding, lack of basic amenities, or unsanitary conditions, can indicate exploitation.
• Cramped Living Space: The presence of multiple individuals residing in a confined area may signal exploitation, especially if living conditions are substandard.
• Inability to Speak Alone: Victims may be unable to communicate freely or independently due to constant supervision or control by their trafficker.
• Scripted Responses: Victims may provide rehearsed or scripted responses when questioned, indicating coercion or manipulation by their trafficker.
• Holding Identity Documents: Traffickers often confiscate victims' identity documents to maintain control over them, preventing them from leaving or seeking help.
• Signs of Physical Abuse: Visible injuries or signs of physical harm may indicate that the victim is being subjected to abuse or violence.
• Submissive or Fearful Demeanor: Victims may exhibit behaviors such as fearfulness, passivity, or submissiveness, reflecting their coerced or controlled state.
• Unpaid or Low Wages: Victims of labor trafficking may receive little to no pay for their work, or wages far below minimum wage standards.
• Underage Individuals in Prostitution: Minors involved in prostitution are considered victims of human trafficking, as they are unable to legally consent to commercial sex acts.

If you have the chance to converse privately with a potential trafficking victim, here are some questions you might consider asking to further explore the red flags you've observed:

1. Can you freely quit your job if you wish to?
2. Are you able to come and go as you please, without restrictions?
3. Have you experienced any harm or threats when attempting to leave your current situation?
4. Has anyone threatened your family or loved ones?
5. Is your living arrangement with your employer mandatory?
6. Could you describe where you sleep and eat in your current situation?
7. Do you owe any debts to your employer or anyone else?
8. Who is in possession of your passport or identification documents?
9. Have you experienced any instances of control or coercion regarding your personal documents?

These questions are designed to be non-confrontational yet informative, allowing the potential victim to share their experiences and concerns without feeling pressured. It's essential to approach the conversation with empathy, understanding, and a commitment to confidentiality to ensure the victim's safety and well-being.
If you suspect someone is still in a trafficking situation, it's crucial to take immediate action by contacting law enforcement authorities. Attempting to rescue a trafficking victim on your own can be unsafe, as you cannot predict how the trafficker may respond and retaliate against both the victim and yourself.
Please alert law enforcement immediately by calling the numbers provided below:
If urgent call 9-1-1 immediately!
1-888-373-7888 National Human Trafficking Hotline

Once a victim, now a survivor with many traumatic wounds still healing. I don't regret the things I've been through for a second because I truly feel advocacy was always my calling. In my past moments I liked to imagine myself as going undercover to find the truth and bring it to the light. There's still blurry lines in my story of victimhood to survivor who did what I knew best with the cards I was dealt. I'm hoping everything I endured wasn't in vain, but a beacon of light for someone else trying to get out of that dark place of hopelessness. 
Everyday felt like being in a dark tunnel, with my hopes and dreams shining on the other side. Being sold numerous times into sex trafficking at only 16 after an abusive ordeal with a pedophile since the age of 14 left me feeling as if sex was all I was good for. Child pornography of me being used to force me into silence from the shame of others finding out. Odd enough, entering in the porn industry at 24 was the first time I was taking myself back and rewriting my story. I was no stranger to being nude in front of a room full of people by then after stripping in full nude clubs prior. 
In my mind, porn was at the top of the pyramid of the sex industry and to me I would find completion in it and move on to start my healing. I had struggled in the past with boyfriends introducing me to drugs, convincing me I had no future worth fighting for, so I guess you could say the opinions of strangers wouldn't break me anymore than I had already felt at that moment. 
4 years I had spent in an industry monetizing off of my trauma, exploiting myself further. To me it felt better than when others knowingly preyed on me to do the same. My last year in the industry things started shifting as I finally started thinking about my life longterm. I grew unhappy wondering why I wallowed deeper in my pain for so long instead of trying to get as far from the things that hurt me. Something inside of me screamed enough was enough, I just knew I had to move on even though I didn't really know what moving on looked like. 
For a year now I have been retired and trying many different things that spark an interest within me. I'm not focused on the money but moreso my true happiness. I can get on social media and lie to everyone else, but at the end of the day the truth kept me awake many nights. Who would I be? How will I do it? What will I have to do to get there? When will it finally start coming together? Where will I end up if it doesn't work out how I expect it to in my head?
Silencing the noise can be so hard, especially when I have followers constantly asking me "what's next?", when I'm unsure of how to answer for myself.
Sticking to the plan and not turning back is the only answer. No matter how hard things get, I will never go back to who I once was. I am rebranding myself more authentically these days and plan to address the hidden issues more and more. Human Trafficking is such a taboo topic because some just can't fathom how close it can be lurking near them. Never think it can't be you or someone you love. There are predators everywhere, but keep yourself guarded and don't do things alone if you can help it. They like to stalk their prey and if you engage then they have an opening. 
I'm praying none of you ever have to experience half of the things I've experienced and witnessed. Be easy on the victims of these situations because sometimes they just don't know any better; so be grateful that you do...

Human Trafficking Miami Hotline:  305-FIX-STOP

State of Florida Domestic Violence: 1-800-621-4202

Project Phoenix-Camillus: 1-786-631-2245
​www.camillus.org/need-help/#1643231089231-bcc130e6-5cbe
Camillus House’s Project Phoenix provides human trafficking recovery for women over the age of 18 who are victims of human trafficking.
This program provides Residential treatment (optional), Case management, Referrals for housing and employment, Substance abuse treatment, Medical care, Referrals for medical and psychiatric services, Individual and group counseling and social/recreational services.
Services are provided by Camillus House staff 7 days a week, 24 hours a a day in a safe and secure living environment. Each resident is assigned a counselor and case manager who is responsible for the residents’ service coordination and the development and implementation of an Individualized Treatment Plan.

Sexual Assault Program - M.U.J.E.R., Inc. 
305-247-1388
one-stop-dvsa-services
24-hour helpline, advocacy, and on-scene (in-person) accompaniment, which includes thorough medical, criminal, and civil legal processes and other service systems.Information & referral, crisis intervention/care coordination,  physical and emotional safety planning. Therapy: individual, family, and group (survivor-led support groups) SA Victims Compensation, follow-up services, community outreach and awareness, and prevention education and training.

Safe Space Foundation (D.V): 1-800-500-1119
https://www.safespacefoundation.org/services-and-programs/
The Women’s Empowerment Program is a collaborative effort between the Safespace Foundation, Inc., and the Miami-Dade County Advocates for Victims Program (AVP), and is open to all participants of area domestic violence shelters. The program takes place at the Miami Rotary Club Women’s Resource Center located at the Safespace North Shelter. The 9-week program focuses on personal and interpersonal skills.