Human Trafficking Awareness

If you are in danger right now: call SAPS on 10111, or 112 from a mobile. Say you are being held or forced to work and where you are if you can.

Trafficking does not always look like a kidnapping. Often it starts with a job offer, a boyfriend, a relative or a free trip to the city. If you or someone you know is being controlled, it is not your fault, and help is possible.

What is happening

Human trafficking is when someone recruits, moves or holds a person to exploit them: for sex, for forced work, for forced marriage or for crime. In South Africa it is a serious crime under the Prevention and Combating of Trafficking in Persons Act. It does not matter if the person first agreed to go. Nobody can agree to being exploited.

Traffickers often use fake job adverts on social media, promises of work in another city or country, or a romantic partner who later demands sex work to pay off a debt. They may take your ID or passport, keep your phone, lock you in, or say you owe money that keeps growing.

Victims include South Africans and people from other countries, adults and children. People who are trafficked can get protection, shelter and counselling, even if they came into the country without papers.

Staying safe on your phone: if someone controls your phone, read this in a private or incognito tab, clear your browser history afterwards, or use a trusted person's phone.

Signs to notice

• Someone else holds your ID, passport or bank card
• You cannot leave the place where you live or work
• You were told you owe a debt that never gets smaller
• The job is different from what you were promised
• You are forced to have sex for money or to do crime
• You are threatened, or your family is threatened, if you leave

30-second self-check

Answer yes or no. If you answer yes to the first question, stop here and get help now: call SAPS on 10111, or 112 from a mobile.

• Are you being kept somewhere against your will right now?
• Does someone else hold your ID, passport or bank card?
• Do you owe a debt to your employer or 'agent' that keeps growing?
• Is the work very different from what you were promised?
• Are you threatened if you try to leave or tell anyone?
• Are you forced to do sex work or crimes?

0-1 yes: If your yes was about being kept somewhere, threats or being forced to do sex work or crime, get help now: 10111 or 112. Otherwise watch closely and tell someone you trust.
2-3 yes: These are warning signs. Talk to someone you trust, and plan how you would get help.
4 or more yes: These are strong signs of trafficking. When it is safe, call SAPS on 10111 or 112. If you are a child or worried about a child, call Childline on 116.

What you can do next

• Today: Tell one trusted person where you are and what is happening. Learn the name of the street or a landmark near you. Memorise one emergency number, 112.
• This week: Before taking a job far from home, check the company, never hand over your ID, and share the address and contact details with family.
• This month: If you have left a trafficking situation, ask a social worker about shelter, counselling and legal help. Healing takes time.
• If you suspect someone else is being trafficked, do not confront the trafficker. Report it to SAPS on 10111.
• Warn young people about job offers on social media that pay for travel and ask for no experience.

Your tool

Immediate Safety Check - a quick check of whether you are safe right now, with the right emergency number and next step for your answers.

When to get professional help

Anyone who has been trafficked needs support, not only rescue. Fear, flashbacks, shame and trouble trusting people are common afterwards. Counselling, medical care and legal help can all be arranged through a social worker.
Who can help: emergency services, social worker, shelter or NGO, Legal Aid SA, counsellor

Getting help in South Africa

• SAPS (10111): report trafficking or a suspected case. From a mobile, 112 also works.
• Department of Social Development: social workers, shelters and counselling for victims of trafficking.
• Childline (116): if a child is involved.
• Legal Aid SA (legal-aid.co.za): legal help if you qualify.
• Cleared Mind 24-hour Careline (0800 212 146): support for you or your family.