01/15/2026
FACT OR FICTION: HUMAN TRAFFICKING EDITION
Contrary to popular belief, human trafficking is not at all like it's portrayed in the movies. In the movies, you often see victims being kidnapped and forced into the situation. In reality, most traffickers use psychological means to victimize someone. This can include tricking, defrauding, manipulating, or threatening victims into providing commercial s*x or exploitive labor. It's a calculated crime, with victims manipulated through fear or even "love" by someone they know and it often involves intimate partners, family members, or close acquaintances. If you or someone you know may be in a trafficking situation, there are resources available to help.
🚩 RED FLAGS TO WATCH FOR:
• Grooming & Control: Traffickers may manipulate victims with false promises, isolate them, and take control of their belongings and relationships.
• Moving Victims: Traffickers frequently move victims to different locations to avoid detection and maximize profits.
• Controlling Behavior: Victims may be restricted from accessing money, contacts, or even basic necessities like food, shelter, and medication. They may also be provided with and then deprived of narcotics as a means of control.
📞 CALL/TEXT FOR HELP:
• Denver 911 (Emergency)
• Colorado Human Trafficking Hotline: 866-455-5075
• National Human Trafficking Hotline: 888-373-7888 or text BE FREE to 233-733
If you suspect someone may be a victim of human trafficking, especially in situations where there’s unusual activity or people living in a commercial setting, please reach out to local authorities or the hotlines above. Together, we can work towards ending this crime.