Human Trafficking
Human trafficking constitutes a severe violation of human rights and disproportionately impacts vulnerable populations, including individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. These individuals are often targeted due to their heightened dependence on others for daily care, difficulties with communication, and limited ability to recognize or report instances of abuse.
Under federal law, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA) of 2000 defines severe forms of human trafficking to include both sex trafficking—when a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or involves a minor—and labor trafficking through similar means for the purpose of involuntary servitude or slavery.
Under section 787.06, Florida Statutes, Florida criminalizes the exploitation of individuals through acts such as recruiting, transporting, or harboring them for trafficking purposes.
Florida ranks third in the nation for potential human trafficking cases, underscoring the critical need for targeted prevention and protection.
Increased Vulnerability
The following factors contribute to the heightened risk of human trafficking for individuals with disabilities.
Explaining the Risk
Social stigma and isolation
Dependence on others for care
Limited economic independence
Inability to report or be seen as credible
Difficulty recognizing inappropriate behavior
Limited education on sexuality or healthy relationships
Communication challenges and physical barriers
Why It’s Hard to Recognize
Victims may not see it as abuse or exploitation
Communication issues mask signs
Behaviors may be mistaken as disability traits
Red Flags of Human Trafficking
The following are red flag indicators that may suggest potential human trafficking.
Living/Working Conditions
Underage in the commercial sex industry
Unpaid or underpaid
Works excessive/long hours
Restricted breaks
Large unpaid debt
False job promises
Heightened security at work/home (bars, cameras, etc.)
Mental/Physical Signs
Fearful, anxious, depressed, or paranoid
Avoids law enforcement or eye contact
Malnourished, lacks health care
Signs of abuse, restraint, or torture
Lack of Control
Minimal possessions, no control of money or ID
Someone else speaks for them or insists on being present
Doesn’t know their location or address
Inconsistent stories, confused sense of time
Other Clues
Claims of “just visiting”
Sudden new items (phone, clothes, or manicures)
Reporting
Reporting Suspected Human Trafficking
Mandated Reporters
Everyone in Florida has a responsibility to report known or suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation
Failure to report known or suspected cases of abuse, neglect, or exploitation is a 3rd degree felony