Human trafficking is a scourge affecting tens of thousands of people worldwide, and victims can come from any social background, regardless of age, ethnicity or economic status.
In Romania, the National Agency Against Trafficking in Persons (ANITP) reported in its 2024 review that the number of victims rose compared with the past five years.
Against this backdrop, the United States Department of Homeland Security (DHS) has issued guidance for faith communities on how to recognise whether a member may be a victim of human trafficking.
According to the document, there are several indicators that may suggest trafficking within a community. However, the presence of a single indicator is not proof that a person is a victim, but it can serve as a starting point.
A Romanian-language version of the guide has also been published.
Signs a person may be trafficked
Behavioural signs: the person
- appears to be deprived of food, sleep, water, medical care or other basic needs;
- suddenly seems better off financially, highlighted by expensive items and/or carrying large sums of money;
- has bruises or other signs of physical trauma;
- has tattoos or scars that may indicate “branding” by a trafficker;
- shows signs of cuts, burns or other evidence of self-harm;
- displays sudden or dramatic behavioural changes;
- is absent without explanation from religious services or community gatherings;
- uses language that may indicate performing sexual services for money;
- becomes unusually quiet, avoids eye contact and keeps their head down;
- allows another person to speak on their behalf, especially when interacting with authority figures;
- seems to give rehearsed or repeated answers;
- struggles to provide logical answers to simple questions;
- appears fearful, anxious, tense, nervous or detached.
Social signs: the person may be at risk if they
- have a boyfriend or girlfriend who is visibly much older;
- mention having a “sugar daddy”, “sugar mummy” or a similar “protector”;
- show unhealthy coping mechanisms, such as drug or alcohol use;
- engage in sexual behaviour that puts them at risk;
- show signs of possible abuse by a partner;
- appear to take high-risk actions, even at the expense of their safety and despite consequences;
- seem restricted from contacting family, friends or a legal guardian;
- no longer attend or show interest in activities they previously took part in;
- lose interest in future plans;
- refer to frequent travel to other towns or cities;
- emphasise that they are paid very little or not at all for work performed;
- display large amounts of cash or unexplained income, or boast of a recently acquired extravagant lifestyle;
- claim to be fully financially independent despite being very young;
- live with an employer, or list an employer as a carer or emergency contact;
- appear to lack the freedom to leave their job.
How traffickers operate
The document says traffickers often target people who lack strong family or social support networks, have unstable housing, a history of trauma or previous abuse, uncertain immigration status, limited knowledge of the country’s language, or difficulty recognising exploitative situations.
Traffickers may seek victims in various settings, including online, in places of worship, or at social events. They lure, deceive and sometimes form intimate relationships with their victims.
Most victims are manipulated through false promises of love, attention and support. In many cases, traffickers and victims may appear to be in a loving relationship, but there can be clear signs of deceit, manipulation and coercion.
Who can be a trafficker?
A trafficker can be anyone—male or female. For victims, traffickers may be romantic partners, employers, co-workers, people in positions of authority and influence, family members, friends or acquaintances, or simply strangers.
How traffickers make contact
From the perspective of a faith community, members are urged to watch for attempts to exploit individuals through promises of quick rewards, higher social status, or claims that the trafficker will “stop” alleged abuse.
At community events, religious leaders are encouraged to remain alert to unknown individuals attending and to any suspicious behaviour.
Another route for contacting potential victims is via social media platforms, apps, and interactive online games.
“Too good to be true”
Traffickers often draw victims in by creating an emotional bond. Religious leaders are encouraged to urge community members to take time to genuinely get to know someone and to avoid sharing excessive personal details online.
Traffickers may quickly present themselves as trustworthy. Under the guise of affection, they may offer to pay for a potential victim to travel away for a weekend. Community leaders are advised to ensure that, if a member decides to meet someone, the meeting takes place in a setting where they feel safe and comfortable.
Job offers in sectors that are typically difficult to access—such as modelling or acting—are likely to be “too good to be true”. The guide warns that traffickers push victims into isolation, away from their community, friends and family.
Community leaders are urged to raise awareness among members about such “offers”, especially when they involve relocation far from family or to isolated areas.
Romanian Orthodox Church involvement
The Romanian Orthodox Church signed a commitment in 2020 regarding its involvement in preventing human trafficking.
The Filantropia Federation has expanded nationwide a pilot project aimed at informing theological seminary students about human trafficking.
Prevention and youth awareness campaigns have also been carried out in camps organised by dioceses within the Romanian Patriarchate.
Photo: Freepik / Cookie_Studio
