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A Safe Port
in the storm

24/7 Confidential Crisis Hotline Support
get-help

Get Help

prevention-education

Prevention & Education

Human Trafficking: Recognize the Signs. Restore Hope.

Human trafficking can happen in any community, often hidden in plain sight. Understanding the signs, challenging misconceptions, and knowing where to turn can make a meaningful difference. 
At Fair Haven Rape Crisis Center, we stand alongside individuals impacted by sex and labor trafficking, providing compassionate advocacy, resources, and support as they navigate their journey toward safety, healing, and independence. 

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Understanding Human Trafficking

It Can Happen Anywhere. Awareness Can Make a Difference. 
Human trafficking is the exploitation of individuals through force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of compelled labor or commercial sexual activity. Under federal law, any commercial sex act involving a person under the age of 18 is considered sex trafficking, regardless of whether force, fraud, or coercion is involved. 
Human trafficking affects people of all ages, backgrounds, and communities. It does not always involve kidnapping, physical restraint, or movement across borders. Exploitation may occur through manipulation, threats, financial control, isolation, or abuse of trust. 
  • Sex Trafficking — The exploitation of individuals through commercial sexual activity involving force, fraud, or coercion, or any commercial sexual activity involving a minor. 
  • Labor Trafficking — The exploitation of individuals compelled to work or provide services through force, fraud, or coercion. 
 
Human Trafficking Is About Exploitation, Control, and the Abuse of Vulnerability. 
Under Indiana law (IC 35-42-3.5), human trafficking can involve force, threats, fraud, or coercion used to exploit individuals for labor or sexual purposes. Exploitation may involve intimidation, financial control, manipulation, or threats of harm. Trafficking can occur without someone being transported or physically restrained. 
 
Recognizing exploitation is the first step toward identifying trafficking and connecting survivors with support. 

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Recognize the Signs

Human trafficking does not always look the way people expect. Potential indicators may include: 
  • Someone else controlling a person’s identification, money, transportation, or communication. 
  • Fear, intimidation, threats, or signs that a person cannot safely leave a situation. 
  • Working under threats, debt-related coercion, or conditions substantially different from what was promised. 
  • A person appearing closely monitored or unable to speak freely. 
  • Manipulation or pressure to engage in commercial sexual activity. 
  • A minor involved in commercial sexual activity. 
These are possible indicators, not proof of trafficking. A person may experience trafficking without showing any obvious signs. Avoid confronting a suspected trafficker or putting anyone at greater risk. 

Myths & Facts

Human trafficking only happens in other countries.

Myth

Trafficking occurs throughout the United States, including communities in Northwest Indiana.

Fact

Trafficking always involves kidnapping or physical restraint.

Myth

Traffickers may use manipulation, threats, debt, dependency, or abuse of trust to exploit individuals.

Fact

A person must be transported somewhere to be trafficked.

Myth

Movement is not required. Human trafficking can occur without a person ever leaving their community.

Fact

Human trafficking only involves sexual exploitation.

Myth

Both sex trafficking and labor trafficking are forms of human trafficking.

Fact

People experiencing trafficking can simply walk away.

Myth

Fear, threats, financial dependency, isolation, and concerns for loved ones can create significant barriers to leaving.

Fact
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How Fair Haven Helps

Support Beyond Exploitation
Compassionate Advocacy. Individualized Support. A Path Forward.
At Fair Haven, we recognize that every survivor’s experience is unique. Individuals impacted by human trafficking may face complex challenges involving safety, housing, financial stability, relationships, and emotional well-being.
Our professionally trained advocates provide trauma-informed, survivor-centered support that respects each individual’s choices, circumstances, and goals.
  • Crisis Intervention & Emotional Support — Compassionate assistance during times of uncertainty, fear, or crisis.
  • Individualized Advocacy — Help understanding available options, navigating systems, and making informed decisions.
  • Safety Planning — Collaborative planning that considers each survivor’s unique circumstances and concerns.
  • Medical & Judicial Advocacy — Accompaniment and support when navigating healthcare, law enforcement, and legal proceedings.
  • Resources & Referrals — Connections to community partners and resources that address immediate needs and support longer-term stability.
  • Continued Support — Access to additional Fair Haven services, including eligible clinical and transitional housing services.
You deserve to be heard, respected, and supported. You do not have to navigate the journey alone.

Stronger Together: Working to End Human Trafficking

Collaboration. Awareness. Action.
Ending human trafficking requires a coordinated response across communities, professions, and systems.
Fair Haven is committed to strengthening the response to both sex and labor trafficking through collaboration with local, state, and national partners. Our work includes participation in the Indiana Trafficking Victims Assistance Program (ITVAP) network, multidisciplinary partnerships, community awareness, and coordinated efforts to improve identification, referrals, and survivor support.
By working alongside organizations, service providers, and community partners, we strive to reduce barriers, strengthen resources, and help ensure that individuals impacted by trafficking can access compassionate, informed assistance.
Together, we can strengthen our communities, challenge exploitation, and create opportunities for hope and healing.

Need Help or Concerned About Someone?

Help Is Available.
Whether you are experiencing exploitation, concerned about someone else, or simply have questions, you can reach out for support.
Fair Haven’s 24/7 Crisis Hotline: 219-218-2552
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 | Text 233733 (BEFREE) | humantraffickinghotline.org
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911 when it is safe to do so. Avoid taking actions that could increase danger to yourself or someone else.

Your Journey. Our Commitment.

At Fair Haven, we recognize that every survivor’s journey is different, and needs may change over time. 
From the first call for support to advocacy, therapeutic services, and opportunities for greater stability, our programs are designed to provide compassionate, individualized care. 
Whether you need someone to listen, someone to stand beside you, or support as you take your next steps, Fair Haven is here.