How to Spot Human Trafficking in Hotels and Commercial Establishments
Although sex trafficking can happen at any place and at any time, many sex traffickers choose to use hotels and motels to conduct their business because these are attractive locations.
Human traffickers are notorious for taking advantage of the anonymity of hotels and the hospitality industry. Due to the fact that human trafficking is an “underground” crime, it can be difficult for law enforcement, hospitality employees, and everyday people to identify the signs of sex trafficking.
In this blog we will discuss:
- Definition of human trafficking and its common victims
- How to spot human trafficking victims
- Signs of trafficking hotel staff must be aware of
- Human trafficking misconceptions
What is Human Trafficking?
The Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 defines sex trafficking as “the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act.” Sex trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion in order to have the sex trafficking victim engage in commercial sex acts.
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), sex trafficking is a form of modern slavery, and falls under a type of human trafficking.
The controllers of sex trafficking in hotels and motels are typically referred to as “pimps.” These individuals often use manipulative tactics to recruit, control and exploit their victims. Some pimps only exploit one or two victims while others may have control over a larger group of people.
Who are the victims?
Sex trafficking victims are most often than not adult women and young girls, with an estimated 15,000 to 50,000 victims trafficked every year in the United States. Although females are the most common victims, males are also potential victims of sex trafficking as well.
Immigrants from other countries may also become victims of this criminal activity. Sex trafficking victims may be trafficked in a number of ways. Pimp-controlled trafficking is when one person controls the victim physically, psychologically, or emotionally. Gang trafficking is when a victim is controlled by more than one person in a gang and may be abused or prostituted by the gang.
Survival sex happens when the victim feels they cannot escape and must perform sex acts to survive. Familial trafficking is when the victim is abused and controlled by their family members. Forced marriages are another form of trafficking that females may be subjected to.
Although human trafficking is prevalent across all demographics regardless of age and gender, some victims may be more vulnerable than others. Individuals who experience homelessness, most especially homeless youth, are at risk for human trafficking. Furthermore, LGBTQ youth are even more vulnerable, and are 3-7 times more likely to engage in survival sex to meet basic needs.
Sex traffickers may take advantage of this need to meet basic necessities and use this to gain power over these youths and coerce them into commercial sex.
How to Spot Human Trafficking Victims
Although sex trafficking is a popularly known illegal activity, and stories of these horrific acts are common in media, the signs may not be known by the general public. As a hotel guest, there are some ways to distinguish whether another guest is a victim of sex trafficking. Some of the most common human trafficking warning signs are:
- Signs of malnourishment, poor hygiene, or dental health
- Bruising, broken bones, or other signs of medical problems that have been untreated
- Avoiding eye contact or social interaction
- Exhibiting unusual behavior
- Appearing impoverished/or lacking personal possessions
- Sticking to scripted or rehearsed responses if they do engage in social interaction
Spot Human Trafficking in Hotels as a Hotel Employee
Hotel management, front desk staff, housekeeping staff, and beverage staff may come across sex trafficking victims while on the job. Sadly, some of these victims may go unnoticed if the signs are not caught quickly. In order to prevent these horrible acts to happen in their commercial establishments, staff needs to learn how to spot human trafficking in hotels. Along with the previously mentioned signs, the following are some sex trafficking signs hotel staff to keep in mind to help identify a trafficked victim:
- Individuals appear to have a lack of freedom or are closely monitored
- Individuals have no control over or do not possess official identification documents.
- Does not possess their own money or pay with cash or a preloaded credit card
- The individual appears fearful or anxious.
- Dressing inappropriately for their age
- Poor quality clothing compared to their companion or others in their party
- Requests for additional towels, new linens, and the like but refuses cleaning services for several days.
- Extended stay with little to no personal possessions
- If cleaning services are rendered, staff may notice excessive amounts of sex paraphernalia such as condoms, lubricants, performance-enhancing pills, etc.
- For non-long-term stays, the room is rented by the hour or for less than a day.
- The “Do Not Disturb” sign is always on the door.
Human Trafficking Misconceptions
One of the most widespread and dangerous myths about human trafficking is that it only takes place in other countries, or that it specifically aims to victimize people born outside the country. The reality is that sex trafficking can happen anywhere and to anyone, regardless of age, race, gender, or nationality. It can occur in cities, suburbs, and even small towns—anywhere that people might not expect it.
People may assume that human trafficking victims will seek help in a public setting. Although this is true, victims may be reluctant to seek help for fear of punishment. They may even avoid seeking help from hotel or motel staff.
Human trafficking victims are usually coerced into a life of abuse and secrecy through threats, violence, and danger to themselves or their families. As previously mentioned, victims often don’t have access to their identification documents, which makes it difficult to get help when needed.
Get the Help You Need
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sex trafficking, do not hesitate to seek help. The Women’s Rights Group is a national organization dedicated to assisting individuals who have been victims of sexual violence in commercial spaces. Our anti-trafficking services have helped many women receive the compensation they need to rebuild their lives.
At Women’s Rights Group, we can get you the medical care and legal representation you need to help you through this difficult time. Contact us for a free, confidential consultation or fill up our contact form and find out how we can help you.
We will fight to get you the justice you deserve!
