Human Trafficking

• If you are ever in immediate danger, the quickest way to access help is to call 911
• During violent/explosive situations, try to avoid dangerous rooms if at all possible
• Examples of dangerous rooms may include: kitchen (sharp objects), garage (tools), bathroom (hard surfaces), basement (hard surfaces), rooms where weapons are kept and rooms without an exit
• Examples of safer rooms may include: front room, yard or apartment hallway (where a neighbor might see or hear an incident)

• If you are unsure of your current location, try to determine any indication of your locality such as, street signs outside the residence/place of employment or print material that may have the address listed
• Plan an escape route or exit strategy and rehearse it, if possible
• Think about and plan your next steps after you leave the situation
• Contact trusted friends/relatives to notify them or to ask for assistance, if you feel comfortable
• Call 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) to be connected to the nearest crisis center. Advocates are available to talk, provide information and help meet immediate needs
• If you choose to report to law enforcement, the WV Fusion Center should be contacted at 1-866-989-2824. If it is an emergency, immediately call 911
• Develop a special signal (lights flickering on and off, code word, code text message, hand signal, etc.) to use with a trusted neighbor, relative, friend or service provider to notify them that you are in danger

If you have children who are also in the trafficking situation, explain to them that it is not their responsibility to protect you. Make sure they know how to call someone for help, where to hide during a violent incident, and practice your plan of departure with them.

• A victim of sexual violence or stalking can request a protective order through their county magistrate court
• Personal Safety Orders (PSOs) are for victims who do not live with or have never been in a romantic relationship with the offender
• Domestic Violence Protective Orders (DVPOs) are for victims who either live/lived or are/were in a romantic relationship with the offender

• Give your protection order to police departments in communities where you frequent, work and/or visit family and friends
• If you feel comfortable, tell your neighbors/employer/friends to call law enforcement if they see the offender near, in, or at the location
• Call law enforcement immediately if the order is violated

• Keep any important documents on or near you to be ready for immediate departure
• Prepare a bag with any important documents/items and a change of clothes
• Keep a written copy of important numbers on you at all times in case your phone is taken or destroyed at any point. Memorize important numbers/hotlines if possible