Collage of car, trumpet, fish, music notes, heart, and dots

EVERYONE HAS A RIGHT TO FEEL SAFE.

Jump to Section:
What Are My Rights? | What is Human Trafficking? | I Need Help | Report Abuse | Download our Material

What are my rights?

You have a right to:

Be free of violence and abuse.
Have a healthy and safe workplace
Be free of sexual harassment or discrimination
Have a clear understanding of your pay, job duties, and work hours.
Have a forensic medical exam at no cost, regardless of your decision to report to law enforcement.

Learn about victim rights.

Learn about worker’s rights.

Learn about relationship rights.

Make a safety plan.

What Is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is the crime of using force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into commercial sexual activity or labor services against their will.

Sex Trafficking: when a person is forced, defrauded, or coerced to provide commercial sexual acts in exchange for something of value, or when a person under 21 years of age trades sex for something of value.

Commercial Sexual Activity: any sexual act performed or conducted when anything of value has been given, promised, or received by any person. A thing of value includes: money, food, shelter, drugs, transportation, phone services, or anything else having an economic value.

Labor Trafficking: when a person is forced, defrauded, or coerced to provide labor or services, including under threat of violence or threat of arrest, or where a person is forced to provide labor to pay off a debt.

Force: refers to the use of physical force or physical control. This can include: physical harm, sexual assault, and confinement.

Fraud: refers to methods of deception or false promises of employment, wages, love, marriage, or a better life. This can include: withholding wages, falsifying documents, and contract fraud.

Coercion: refers to the psychological coercion that traffickers exercise over their victims. This can include: threats of harm, threats of arrest or deportation, debt bondage, psychological manipulation, or document confiscation.

Collage of hand-drawn flower, hearts, dots, broken heart, and music notes, with handwritten: "She believed she could so she did."

Is it human trafficking?

Toggle to learn more
Human trafficking is difficult to recognize. The following are common situations to help you self-assess and determine whether a situation you are experiencing may be human trafficking, exploitation, or another type of abuse. This is not a complete list. If you believe you are experiencing any type of abuse, learn about the services available in Louisiana.
You are being forced or tricked to have sex for money or something of value.
You are under 21 years old and having sex to provide for your needs (including a place to stay, food, transportation, gifts, drugs, a phone, etc.)
You are being forced or coerced to work against your will.
You want to leave a job or a situation but you are afraid, due to threats of violence, harm to your family or friends, or threats of arrest or deportation.
Your employer collects your paycheck because you owe them a debt, such as for housing, transportation, food, or another necessity.
You do not have control over your money, identification, or phone.
You are not being paid for your work.
You are living and working in unsanitary conditions, largely cut off from interaction with others or your support system.
You are working a job that turned out to be different than what was promised, and now you are afraid or cannot afford to leave the job.
Someone is threatening to release private pictures of you, if you do not comply with their requests.
You have injuries or illnesses that are untreated because someone will not let you go to the doctor.

Expand to learn more
Human trafficking is difficult to recognize. The following are common situations to help you self-assess and determine whether a situation you are experiencing may be human trafficking, exploitation, or another type of abuse. This is not a complete list. If you believe you are experiencing any type of abuse, learn about the services available in Louisiana.
You are being forced or tricked to have sex for money or something of value.
You are a child or youth and having sex to provide for your needs (including a place to stay, food, transportation, gifts, drugs, a phone, etc.)
You are being forced to work or perform services against your will.
You want to leave a job or a situation but you are afraid, due to threats of violence, harm to your family or friends, or threats of arrest or deportation.
You are not being paid for your work or are being paid very little.
Your employer collects your wages because you owe them a debt, such as for housing, transportation, food, or another necessity.
You are working in dangerous conditions without proper safety gear, training, adequate breaks, or other protections.
You are living and working in isolated conditions, largely cut off from interaction with others or your support system.
You do not have control over your money, identification, or phone.
You are tricked into a job that turned out to be different than promised, and now you can’t leave the job.
Someone is threatening to release private pictures of you, if you do not comply with their requests.
You have injuries or illnesses that are untreated because someone will not let you go to the doctor.
If you suspect labor trafficking or sex trafficking is happening to you or someone you know, reach out and ask for help. You can talk to a friend, a teacher, a coach, or a health care provider. You can also call the National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-373-7888) or speak with a service provider in your area to ask questions and learn what resources are available to you.
Learn about tips for safety planning.
It’s not easy to reach out and talk about your personal experiences. You are not alone. When you are ready, there is help for you.

If you suspect labor trafficking or sex trafficking is happening to you or someone you know, reach out and ask for help. You can talk to a friend, a teacher, a coach, or a health care provider. You can also call the National Human Trafficking Hotline (888-373-7888) or speak with another specially-trained advocate to ask questions and learn what resources are available to you.

Learn about tips for safety planning.

It’s not easy to reach out and talk about your personal experiences. You are not alone. When you are ready, there is help for you.

I need help.

Food and Basic Needs?
Place to Stay?
Public Benefits?

Depending on your circumstances, you may qualify for help with food, housing, medical care, unemployment, child care, or other social needs. For a list of public benefits and how to access them, visit the Louisiana Law Help.
Food Benefits: You may apply for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP), also known as food stamps, by filling out an application through Louisiana CAFE online. You will need to create an account, and gather the documents you need to verify your information in the application. After submitting your application you must complete an interview by phone or in person.
Women, Infant, and Children Nutritional Support: Learn more about WIC benefits and apply online at louisianawic.org/about/using. WIC is a program for pregnant, breastfeeding, and postpartum women, infants, and children (under 5 years old). WIC provides nutritious foods, nutrition information, breastfeeding support and referrals to other health and social services.
Temporary Cash Assistance: The Family Independence Temporary Assistance Program (FITAP) provides temporary cash assistance to eligible families who need assistance for children. You can apply online through the Louisiana CAFE online. To understand what is required and examples of proof that is required learn more from the DCFS Assistance Eligibility Verification website.
Child Care Assistance: The Child Care Assistance Program (CCAP) provides financial assistance to low-income families while they are working or attending school. You can apply online at the Louisiana CAFE CCAP Portal.
Healthcare Assistance: You can get help with healthcare and medical expenses through Louisiana’s Medicaid Program. You can apply online at the Medicaid Self-Service Portal by creating an account and filling out an application.
Health Care?

Find your local health center here. Louisiana’s Community Health Centers serve as one-stop-shops for all of your primary care needs—regardless of insurance status or your ability to pay.
You can get help with healthcare and medical expenses through Louisiana’s Medicaid Program. You can apply online at the Medicaid Self-Service Portal by creating an account and filling out an application.
Sexual Assault Support?

Louisiana’s Sexual Assault Crisis Centers offer free and confidential support statewide to survivors and their loved ones. You can locate your area’s Crisis Center here. You can connect with an on-call Crisis Specialist to discuss your current circumstance and talk about next steps that can be taken towards safety and healing by calling 1-888-995-7273 (24/7) or texting 225-351-7233 (Mon–Thurs 12PM–8PM & Fri–Sun 4PM–12AM).
Healing takes time. Learn more about sexual assault and the healing process by downloading this resource (Spanish; Vietnamese; Chinese).
Dating and Domestic Violence Support?

If you believe you are in a dating or domestic violence situation, you can locate help in your area here or by calling the Louisiana Hotline: 1.888.411.1333. The hotline is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
Wondering if your relationship might be abusive? Learn about the warning signs of abuse.
Learn about personal safety planning tips and make a plan by visiting this page.
Mental Health Support?
Need emergency emotional support?
Call 988, text, or chat online to connect to a specialist who can help. All calls are free and confidential.
Whether you had a tough day, are overwhelmed, or are having thoughts of suicide, 988 can help.
Mental health treatment services are available in your region. Locate and contact services by visiting Louisiana Office of Behavioral Health or click here to view a regional map.
Legal?

Visit Louisiana Law Help at louisianalawhelp.org.
Louisiana Law Help is a guide to free civil legal services. This site provides legal education materials and tools that give you basic information on a number of legal problems. You can also locate information on free legal aid programs in Louisiana.
Crime Victim Reparations?

Victims and immediate family members of a violent crime may be eligible for crime victims reparations. Human trafficking and other crimes that involve the use of force or the threat of the use of force and result in personal injury, death or catastrophic property loss are eligible. The crime must occur in Louisiana or the crime must involve a Louisiana resident who becomes a victim in another state that does not have a crime victim compensation program for which the victim would be eligible. Learn more and download an application at lcle.la.gov/programs/cvr.

Are you in danger?

If you are in immediate danger, call 911. Your safety is important.

I want to report abuse or to speak with someone who can help.

Help is available when you are ready.

National Human Trafficking Hotline
Louisiana Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline

If you know a Louisiana child is being abused or neglected or is a victim of sex trafficking, call the DCFS Hotline at 855-452-5437. The hotline is available 24/7. All calls are confidential.
For more information about mandated reporting, please visit DCFS’ webpage.
Sexual Assault Crisis Phoneline
Domestic Violence Hotline

If you believe you are in a dating or domestic violence situation, you can locate help in your area here or by calling the Louisiana Hotline: 1-888-411-1333. The hotline is free, confidential, and available 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
You may also call the national hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788.
Labor or Workplace Violations

Call 1-800-201-3362 to report a Louisiana Labor Law Violation.
For child labor violation in Louisiana: File a complaint to the Louisiana Workforce Commission or by calling 225-219-2989.
For workplace safety concerns: File a safety complaint online OSHA, or call your Local OSHA Office or 800-321-6742 (OSHA). Visit osha.gov/workers/file-complaint to learn more about your rights and how to file a complaint. Remember, employers are required to follow safety laws and keep you safe. Employers must also maintain a workplace free from retaliation for voicing concerns about hazards or violations of federal law.
For workplace discrimination: File a discrimination complaint with EEOC at eeoc.gov/filing-charge-discrimination or the Louisiana Commission on Human Rights (LCHR) at gov.louisiana.gov/page/filing-a-complaint-with-lchr. An employer may not discriminate you at work because of your race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
For unfair wages or wage complaints: Call the Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division at 1-866-487-9243 to file a complaint and ask questions about federal labor laws. Visit dol.gov/agencies/whd/contact/complaints to learn more about your rights.
National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Cyber Tipline

Report online child sexual activity by visiting report.cybertip.org/reporting or by calling 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).
If you have nude, partially nude or sexually explicit images or videos taken before you were 18 that you believe may have been or will be shared online, visit takeitdown.ncmec.org. Take It Down is a free service that can help you remove or stop the online sharing of nude, partially nude, or sexually explicit images or videos taken of you when you were under 18 years old. You can remain anonymous while using the service and you won’t have to send your images or videos to anyone.
988 Suicide and Crisis Line
Louisiana 211

Download Our Material

View Downloadable Materials

EVERYONE HAS A RIGHT TO FEEL SAFE.

What are my rights?

What Is Human Trafficking?

Is it human trafficking?

I need help.

Food and Basic Needs?

Place to Stay?

Public Benefits?

Health Care?

Sexual Assault Support?

Dating and Domestic Violence Support?

Mental Health Support?

Legal?

Crime Victim Reparations?

Are you in danger?

I want to report abuse or to speak with someone who can help.

National Human Trafficking Hotline

Louisiana Child Abuse/Neglect Hotline

Sexual Assault Crisis Phoneline

Domestic Violence Hotline

Labor or Workplace Violations

National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) Cyber Tipline

988 Suicide and Crisis Line

Louisiana 211

Download Our Material

Quick Links

Contact the Office of Human Trafficking Prevention

Find Survivor Services

Report Suspicious Activity