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Human Trafficking 101

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This training was developed by Polaris and references the National Human Trafficking Hotline, which we operated for 18 years. Please note that as of December 2025, Polaris no longer manages the Hotline.
Content Warning: This online training contains case studies and personal accounts by survivors with references to sexual assault, physical abuse, pedophilia, and child abuse that may be triggering to some.
This training is designed for the general public. If you have been referred as part of an accreditation program and need further information, please contact the office that directed you to this training.

Module 1: Defining Human Trafficking

Quiz 1: Defining Human Trafficking
In order for a situation to be considered trafficking, what must be present in addition to force, fraud, and/or coercion?*
- A. The exchange of money or something of value
- B. Crossing of a border
- C. Abduction
- D. Physical restrainment
How much human trafficking happens in the United States?*
- A. 150,000 people a year
- B. 650,000 people a year
- C. 4 million people a year
- D. There is no reliable number
T/F – If a person under 18 is engaging in commercial sex without the presence of force, fraud, or coercion, it is NOT considered sex trafficking.*
- True
- False
T/F – Sexual assault without the exchange of money or something of material value is not human trafficking.*
- True
- False

Calion's Story

Module 2: How Human Trafficking Happens

Quiz 2: How Human Trafficking Happens
T/F – Human trafficking only happens in the “underground” economy, not in legitimate businesses.*
- True
- False
Which of these situations may amount to human trafficking?*
- A. Landlords threatening to evict tenants who refuse sexual advances
- B. Children being put to work long hours in their family businesses rather than attending school
- C. A physically abusive husband withholds food from his spouse and bans her from leaving the home, unless she cooks and cleans for him
- D. All of the above
T/F – Human trafficking always involves sex.*
- True
- False
T/F – If a victim agrees to engage in commercial sex then it cannot be trafficking.*
- True
- False

Jose's Story

Module 3: Understanding the Victims

Quiz 3: Understanding the Victims
T/F – Men and boys can be victims of both sex and labor trafficking.*
- True
- False
Someone may be particularly vulnerable to trafficking if they:*
- A. Have an unstable living situation
- B. Have a history of domestic or sexual abuse
- C. Are facing poverty or economic need
- D. All of the above
Which of the following would NOT make someone vulnerable to trafficking?*
- A. Addiction
- B. The clothing they wear
- C. Racism
- D. Poverty
Why might victims not ask for help to leave their trafficking situations?*
- A. Feeling Shame
- B. Fear
- C. Debt
- D. All of the above

Eric's Story
Trigger Warning: Personal accounts of sexual assault and pedophilia.

Module 4: How Traffickers Operate

Quiz 4: How Traffickers Operate
The most effective way for traffickers to control their victims is:*
- A. Economic Abuse
- B. Threats
- C. Isolation
- D. Depends on the victim’s circumstances
T/F – Human trafficking victims are usually kidnapped by strangers.*
- True
- False
Which is NOT an example of a solution that traffickers may offer to their victims?*
- A. Love and affection
- B. Instability
- C. A place to sleep
- D. A well-paying job
What is the most common way that labor trafficking victims are lured into trafficking situations?*
- A. Through fraudulent job postings
- B. They’re threatened into accepting a job
- C. They’re abducted

Jennifer's Story

Module 5: Recognizing Human Trafficking

Quiz 5: Recognizing Human Trafficking
One sign that a stranger is a victim of trafficking is if:*
- A. They’re wearing inappropriate clothing
- B. They avoid eye contact
- C. They’re accompanied by a person of a different race or ethnicity
- D. None of the above – there’s likely no physical sign that would indicate a stranger is being trafficked
In which of the following professions might someone be in a unique position to encounter trafficking victims?*
- A. Teacher
- B. Medical Professional
- C. Trucker
- D. All of the Above
You stop at a gas station and observe an adult woman who appears disheveled and is approaching people in their cars. She eventually gets into a vehicle with an older man and they drive away. Is this situation:*
- A. Someone getting a ride
- B. Someone being trafficked
- C. You have no idea
- D. Someone willingly engaging in commercial sex
In the restaurant example we provided, Jim does NOT have context because:*
- A. He isn’t an employee at the restaurant
- B. He doesn’t know much about the employees’ work conditions or lives outside of the restaurant
- C. He hasn’t met everyone who works at the restaurant
- D. He hasn’t visited the restaurant enough

Roxie's Story

Module 6: Now What?

Quiz 6: Now What?
T/F – The appropriate response to all situations of trafficking is to report it to law enforcement.*
- True
- False
Human trafficking is a symptom of:*
- A. Poverty
- B. Structural Racism
- C. Homophobia
- D. All of the above
T/F – Survivors are the REAL experts in human trafficking.*
- True
- False
We can stop human trafficking before it happens by:*
- A. Arresting traffickers
- B. Supporting legislation and programs that support strong, equitable communities and healthy families
- C. By listening to survivors and having hard conversations with friends and families
- D. Both B & C

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