CHILD RECOVERY AGENCY

Child Recovery Agency

Recognising the signs that a child may have been trafficked is critical. No single indicator confirms trafficking on its own, but patterns and combinations of signs should raise serious concern—especially when they appear suddenly or alongside controlling behaviour by an adult.

Below is a clear, practical guide used by child-protection and frontline professionals worldwide.
(AI assisted in compiling this information)

Behavioural & Emotional Warning Signs

Sudden withdrawal, fearfulness, anxiety, or depression
Hyper-vigilance or extreme compliance (“robotic” behaviour)
Fear of authority figures, police, or social workers
Reluctance to explain injuries or inconsistencies in their story
Signs of trauma, dissociation, or emotional numbness
Talks about needing to “work”, “pay back”, or “owe” someone
Expresses loyalty or fear toward a controlling adult who is not a parent

Physical & Health Indicators

Unexplained bruises, burns, scars, or untreated medical issues
Signs of sexual abuse or repeated sexually transmitted infections
Malnutrition, dehydration, exhaustion, or poor hygiene
Wearing clothing inappropriate for age, weather, or situation
Tattoos or branding (names, symbols, barcodes, debts, ownership marks)

Control & Supervision Red Flags

Always accompanied by an adult who:
Speaks for the child
Controls documents or money
Won’t allow the child to speak alone
The child does not know:
Their current address
Their school or location details
Limited or scripted communication
Restricted movement or constant monitoring

Identity, Living & Education Concerns

No access to ID, passport, or legal documents
Confusion about age, date of birth, or family details
Not attending school, or sudden unexplained absence
Living in overcrowded, unsafe, or constantly changing locations
Working long hours or performing tasks inappropriate for their age

Online & Exploitation Indicators

Secretive or excessive phone/internet use
Receiving gifts, money, phones, or clothing without explanation
Being pressured to send images or meet someone
Older “friends”, online contacts, or sudden changes in behaviour
Evidence of online grooming, coercion, or exploitation

Contextual Risk Factors (Not Indicators Alone)

These increase vulnerability, especially when paired with signs above:
Poverty or debt
Family breakdown or domestic violence
Migration, displacement, or refugee status
Prior abuse or time in institutional care
Substance misuse within the household

What to Do If You’re Concerned

Trust your instincts – something feeling “off” matters
Do not confront suspected traffickers
Ensure the child’s immediate safety
Report concerns to:
Local child protection services
Police or specialist anti-trafficking units
A recognised NGO or child-protection hotline
If a child is in immediate danger, treat it as an emergency

Key Reminder

Trafficked children rarely self-identify as victims
They may appear calm, loyal, or even protective of their trafficker
Behaviour is shaped by fear, coercion, and survival