Decision Step Archives

Hotline Professionals receive reports of potential human trafficking situations and respond depending on a number of factors including the signaler’s proximity to – and therefore understanding of – the situation and the age of the potential victim. 

Complex cases or situations where appropriate services are not immediately available may be managed over the course of days or weeks

The Hotline Professional will work with the signaler to find appropriate services in viable locations and connect the signaler with the provider.

The Trafficking Hotline works with providers around the country of services ranging from emergency shelters to long-term case management, legal representation, transportation, mental health providers, and others depending on need. 

The caller explains the reason for reaching out and the Hotline Professional asks for clarifications as necessary to determine whether it appears likely that the situation is trafficking – that is, force, fraud or coercion is being used in this situation to make them provide either commercial sex or labor for the profit of someone … Continued

The Trafficking Hotline can assist in situations of forced labor and/or forced commercial sex. Depending on the need and situation, the Trafficking Hotline can help with safety planning, and provide connections to trusted local service providers and law enforcement.

The Trafficking Hotline maintains the strictest standards of confidentiality. However, the hotline is required by law to share certain information with other agencies, including law enforcement, in certain situations. These situations include those in which there is any danger to minors or threats of imminent harm.

Conversations are not recorded. Hotline Advocates do, however, keep detailed notes that ensure that signalers can continue the conversation or call receive additional help from any member of the Trafficking Hotline team at any time.

The first question every signaler is asked is “are in a safe place to have a conversation?” If the signaler feels safe, the Hotline Professional offers tips in case that changes. If the signaler has safety concerns, the advocate and signaler will make a detailed immediate safety plan then decide whether to continue or to … Continued

Hotline Professionals are scheduled to read and respond as requested. If you need immediate help, this is not the best option! Initial follow-up to emails and webforms are done by email.

The online chat system is answered by Hotline Professionals in real-time. When the chat is unavailable, please contact the hotline via other methods.

Text messages are answered by Hotline Professionals in real-time.