Human Trafficking in Our Community: Awareness Saves Lives

Human trafficking is not just a distant problem happening in faraway places—it's happening right here in our communities. In northeastern Indiana alone, there were 157 reported cases of human trafficking in 2024, representing a 23% increase from the previous year (Indiana Protection for Abused and Trafficked Humans Coalition, 2025). According to the Northeastern Indiana Anti-Trafficking Network, approximately 68% of these cases involved sex trafficking, while 32% involved labor trafficking, with victims ranging from 12 to 45 years of age.

Recognizing the Signs of Human Trafficking

Being able to identify potential trafficking situations could help save someone's life. Here are common indicators to watch for:

• Physical signs: Unexplained injuries, malnourishment, or appearing exhausted

• Behavioral signs: Fearful, anxious, or submissive behavior; avoiding eye contact

• Social signs: Rarely allowed to speak for themselves, seems coached on what to say

• Work conditions: Working excessive hours, living at their workplace, or owing a large debt to their employer

• Control indicators: Not in possession of their identification documents, unable to leave their job or housing situation

Consider Sarah, a waitress at a local restaurant in Fort Wayne who noticed a teenage girl who came in weekly with an older man. The girl never ordered for herself, appeared withdrawn, and had bruises on her arms. When the man briefly left the table, Sarah discreetly provided the girl with the human trafficking hotline number. This simple action ultimately led to the girl's rescue from a trafficking situation.

How Trafficking Affects Our Community

Human trafficking exploits vulnerable individuals and creates ripple effects throughout our community. In Allen County, trafficking incidents have been documented in hotels, restaurants, construction sites, and private residences. The intersection of I-69 and I-80/90 makes our region particularly vulnerable as a trafficking corridor, according to the Fort Wayne Police Department's 2024 report on human trafficking.

Local schools have reported instances where students suddenly stop attending classes, only to be discovered later in trafficking situations. In 2024, the Department of Child Services in northeastern Indiana responded to 43 cases involving minors who were victims of trafficking (Indiana Department of Child Services, 2025).

Taking Action: What You Can Do

If you suspect someone is being trafficked, there are several steps you can take:

1. Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
   

2. Report suspicious activity to local law enforcement: Fort Wayne Police Department's Human Trafficking Task Force at (260) 427-1201
   

3. Support local organizations like the YWCA Northeast Indiana or the Indiana Trafficking Victims Assistance Program
   

4. Learn more through resources available at the Northeastern Indiana Anti-Trafficking Network (www.neiantitrafficking.org)
   

5. Share information about trafficking indicators with friends, family, and coworkers

Remember, your awareness and willingness to act could make the difference between freedom and continued exploitation for someone trapped in trafficking.

References

• Indiana Protection for Abused and Trafficked Humans Coalition. (2025). Annual Human Trafficking Report 2024.

• Fort Wayne Police Department. (2024). Human Trafficking Task Force Annual Report.

• Indiana Department of Child Services. (2025). Child Welfare and Human Trafficking: 2024 Statistics.

• Northeastern Indiana Anti-Trafficking Network. (2025). Regional Assessment of Human Trafficking Trends.