Prevent
Know the Signs to Stop the Abuse
Our greatest asset in the fight against human trafficking is you and the members of your community. However, the only way you will be effective in helping to end human trafficking is by being able to identify the signs and patterns of trafficker abuse, so that you can report them. Victims can be difficult to identify, and you could even have a victim in your own home.
Know the Patterns of Traffickers
Victims can be from any ethnicity, social or economic group,gender, or level of academic achievement.
LEARN THE TYPE OF TEENS THEY TARGET
ONCE A TEEN IS TARGETED, THEIR PROCESS BEGINS:

1
Scouting
Traffickers are searching for young people to target.
Traffickers find victims via:
- Social media
- Shopping malls
- Bus stops
- School
- Through friends

2
Manipulating
Traffickers relate to young people and often times seem “too good to be true.”
Trafficker manipulation techniques:
- Pretend to be boyfriends or girlfriends
- Buy presents
- Treat their intended victims very well
- Listen and act interested in their lives
- Lie and manipulate

3
Trapping
Traffickers trick or control young people into staying in the lifestyle.
These methods could be:
- False love or lies
- Drugs
- Threats of violence
- Physical violence
How Can You Protect Your Friends?
- Pay attention to changes in mood or behavior
- Don’t just ignore them if they start to isolate themselves
- Educate your peers about human trafficking
- Talk about the issue and make sure your friends know they can come to you if they have problems
- Don’t be afraid to share your opinion if you think your friends are getting into a bad situation
- Report your concerns to trusted adults
- JUST ASK if you think something is wrong
DO YOU SUSPECT YOUR FRIEND MAY BE BEING SCOUTED OR MANIPULATED BY A TRAFFICKER?
How Can You Protect Your Community or School?
START A CLUB
Do you want to bring awareness of the crime of human trafficking to your school so that your friends and classmates can avoid the trappings of human trafficking? Just Ask Prevention Project is proud to partner with students and teachers alike to help create a club. Past clubs we’ve partnered with have a direct impact on communities that have suffered from trafficking activity. We’re happy to provide guidance and materials. Our best weapon against trafficking is awareness, and we can use all the help we can get!
OTHER IDEAS
- Sponsor a Just Ask Walk/Run for Freedom
- Write letters to victims
- Advocate for prevention resources
- Conduct a Just Ask Awareness Campaign
DO YOU HAVE AN IDEA OR WANT TO START A CLUB?