Warning signs of human trafficking

More than 300,000 people are trafficked in Texas at any given time, according to University of Texas research.

In response, officials have kicked off a statewide effort to raise awareness, increase vigilance and help the general public learn warning signs to report to law enforcement.

The Texas Department of Transportation, in partnership with the Office of the Governor, law enforcement and industry partners, has launched its ” On the Road to End Human Trafficking ” initiative.

Here are the signs TxDOT wants everyone to look out for:

Victim forced to perform sexual acts Victim does not have freedom of movements Victim or family threatened with harm for attempts to escape Victim threatened with deportation or law enforcement action Victim harmed or deprived of food, water, sleep, medical care or other life necessities Victim cannot freely contact friends or family Victim is a juvenile engaged in commercial sex Victim not allowed to socialize or attend religious services Victim coached on what to say to law enforcement or immigration officials Victim recruited for one purpose and forced to engage in some other job

TxDOT is educating its employees by giving them a card with information on signs to look for on the roadways. TxDOT’s human trafficking materials are available for others to download on its website.

“Human trafficking is a horrific crime that knows no boundaries and, sadly, affects hundreds of thousands of women, children and men across our state and around the world,” TxDOT Executive Director, James Bass, said in a release. “We are proud to work with the Governor’s Commission for Women and other partners to bring an end to this modern-day slavery.”

The initiative is compared to a neighborhood watch program where the public is encouraged to learn, watch for and report signs of human trafficking.

The public can use a toll-free, 24/7 confidential phone number, (888) 373-7888, to report suspected trafficking. Victims should call 911.