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What is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is the forced exploitation of someone for labor or sex and is a serious problem in Kentucky. Human trafficking oppresses adults and children of all races, genders, ages, occupations, and backgrounds. Since 2007, the National Human Trafficking Hotline has received 3,134 contacts related to Kentucky. In 2021 alone, Kentucky received 312 reports of human trafficking involving 379 child victims. This is a 50 percent increase in reports and 61 percent increase in victims compared to 2020.

How can I help end human trafficking in Kentucky?

Every Kentuckian can help end human trafficking in the Commonwealth by watching for and reporting suspected human trafficking. If you see any of the signs of trafficking or believe someone is a victim of human trafficking, call 911 in an emergency or the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888.

Know the Signs of Human Trafficking

A person may be subject to sex trafficking if they:

  • Appear submissive, fearful, or nervous.
  • Lack control of identification documents or money.
  • Have an inconsistent or well-rehearsed story about where they live, the relationship with the person they are with, or how they traveled to the current location.
  • Dress inappropriately for the weather, their location, or age.
  • Are in the presence of an overtly controlling or concerned friend or boyfriend/girlfriend.
  • Possess multiple hotel key cards, prepaid credit cards, or cellphones.
  • Show signs of physical, mental, or emotional abuse.
  • Seem unable to come and go as they please.


A person may be subject to labor trafficking if they:

  • Appear to live at their place of employment.
  • Are transported in a group by the employer or someone who is part of the employer’s organization.
  • Experience restricted or monitored movement.
  • Do not control their identification documents.
  • Earn wages below the state’s minimum wage.
  • Are constantly indebted to the employer.
  • Show signs of physical abuse, isolation, and starvation.
  • Work long hours in poor conditions.

SEE THE SIGNS, MAKE THE CALL

National Human Trafficking Hotline

1-888-373-7888

In an emergency, call 911

To learn more about Attorney General Cameron’s efforts to end human trafficking in the Commonwealth or to schedule a human trafficking community training event, contact Heather Wagers, Executive Director of the Attorney General’s Office of Trafficking and Abuse Prevention and Prosecution (TAPP).

1024 Capital Center Drive, Suite 200
Frankfort, Kentucky 40601

Phone: (502) 696-5436
YourEyesSaveLives@ky.gov

This project was supported, in whole or in part, by grant number 2020-CK-WX-0026 awarded to the Kentucky Office of the Attorney General by the U.S. Department of Justice, Office of Community Oriented Policing Services.