Quick Exit
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When Leaving a Human Trafficking Situation
  • In some cases, leaving or attempting to leave a trafficking situation may increase the risk of violence. It is important to trust your judgment when taking steps to ensure your safety.
  • If you are ever in immediate danger, the quickest way to access help is to call 9-1-1.
  • If you are unsure of your current location, try to determine any indication of your locality such as street signs outside the residence or place of employment, or newspapers/magazines/mail that may have the address listed.
  • If it is safe to go outside, see if the address is listed anywhere on the building.
  • If there are people nearby and it is safe to speak with them, ask them about your current location.
  • Plan an escape route or exit strategy and rehearse it.
  • 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.
  • Think about your next steps after you leave the situation.
  • Contact trusted friends or relatives to notify them or to ask for assistance if you feel comfortable.
  • Contact the Rescue America Hotline (24-hours/day) at 833-599-3733 to obtain local referrals for shelter or other social services and support. The hotline can also connect you with specialized law enforcement referrals. However, if you are ever in immediate danger, contact 911 first.
  • During violent or explosive situations avoid dangerous rooms

    Examples of Dangerous Rooms: kitchen (knives, sharp utensils, pots), garage (tools, sharp objects), bathroom (hard surfaces, no exits), basement (hard surfaces, no exits), rooms where weapons are kept and rooms without an exit. Examples of Safer Rooms: front room, yard or apartment hallway where a neighbor might see or hear an incident.
  • 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. It is important to proactively communicate what action steps you would like taken (call 911, check-in, pick the children up, etc.).
  • If you have children who are also in the trafficking situation, explain to them that it isn’t their responsibility to protect you, and make sure that they know how to call someone for help, where to hide during a violent incident, and practice your plan of departure with them.
After Leaving a Human Trafficking Situation
  • Keep your residence locked at all times. Consider changing your locks if the controller has a key or may be able to access your residence.
  • If moving to a new residence, only disclose your address to people that you trust and consider accessing the Address Confidentiality Program (ACP).
  • Consider taking out a protective order against the controller so that he/she will be legally prohibited from contacting you. While options vary by location, you can typically obtain a protective order civilly without talking to or involving law enforcement.
  • Contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-3737-888 to find the service provider nearest you that can assist you in long-term safety planning, including taking out a protective order or accessing the ACP in your state.
  • If the controller has made unwanted contact, document the contact made (calls, texts, showing up at your work/home, etc.) and save any voicemails and text messages that are threatening in nature.
  • Consider changing your phone number to a number unknown by the controller. Most cell phone carriers will allow you to block individuals or to change numbers at no or low cost.
  • Keep a cell phone or emergency phone on you at all times. If you feel comfortable, tell your neighbors, employer, or friends to call the police if they see the controller near, in, or around the residence