In a recent press release from the Canadian Center to End Human Trafficking, they had a checklist that is good for everyone to be aware of. It only takes a few minutes to read, but it’s valuable information when analyzing a relationship either you or a friend might be having.
Is it Love or Is it Luring?
Healthy relationships among family and friends are vital as loved ones play a critical role in preventing human trafficking. It is essential to keep lines of communication open with those you care about; to discuss what healthy relationships look like; and to watch for the signs of unhealthy relationships that may be a precursor to sex trafficking. While each relationship is unique, The Centre has simplified some common signs – both positive and negative – to consider:
5 Signs of a Healthy Relationship:
- Respect – for all parties in the relationship and for personal boundaries
- Consent – all involved are fully aware and agreeable to all aspects of the relationship
- Good Communication – all have the liberty to openly discuss their thoughts, ideas and feelings; the flexibility to change their mind when desired; and the capability to resolve conflicts in a positive manner
- Supportive – no one is undermined or taken advantage of, but instead all are supported unconditionally
- Freedom – all have the freedom to be who they are, to have their own interests and friends, and to make their own choices
5 Signs of an Unhealthy Relationship:
- Feeling Pressured – experiencing the need to do something they don’t want to do, especially in relation to sexual pursuits
- Being Threatened – either while in the relationship or when trying to end the relationship
- Violence – whether real or perceived, no one should be afraid of someone they love, or who loves them
- Isolation – being cut off from family and friends; being forced to spend all their time with a new romantic interest or friends
- Loss of Control – when someone tries to control all aspects of another’s life i.e. friends, activities, cell phone and social accounts
Potential Signs of Sex Trafficking to Watch For:
- Sudden Change in Behavior – acts in a fearful, anxious, submissive or nervous manner; is excessively concerned about displeasing a partner; appears to be controlled by someone else; is becoming isolated from friends and family; rarely responds to phone calls
- Appearance Seems Out of Place – is dressed inappropriately for their age; has cuts or bruises; is branded/tattooed
- Strange Possessions – has unexplained expensive gifts, multiple cell phones, no access to identification, excess cash; lives outside financial means
Recognizing these signs early is key to helping fuel positive relationships and in turn, ending sex trafficking. Trust your instincts and reach out if something about your relationship, or that of a loved one, doesn’t seem right. Call the Canadian Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-833-900-1010 or connect online via www.canadianhumantraffickinghotline.ca.
In the United States, the National Human Trafficking Hotline to remember is 888-373-7888. Or you can text ‘HELP’ to 233733. Their website is http:humantraffickinghotline.org
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