If you are concerned someone is being trafficked, call the
Montana Human Trafficking Hotline at 833-406-STOP (7867) live chat 406STOP.COM
Human Trafficking in Montana
Human trafficking occurs in Montana in many forms, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, and coercion. Men, women, and children can fall victim to this type of modern slavery by those who prey on the vulnerabilities of potential victims. Montana faith groups and community organizations must stand together to foster change and recovery in our state.
According the Montana Department of Justice
Know the Signs. Potential indicators of sex trafficking may include:
- Young person that is very hesitant to engage in conversation. Eyes are always downcast, avoiding eye contact, especially with men. Poor physical state…tired, malnourished, or shows signs of physical abuse or torture.
- Seems to have trouble responding to what their name is or what location (City or even State) they are in. (Victims’ names are often changed frequently, as are their whereabouts. They typically do not stay in one location for long – at times for 24 hours or less).
- Wearing clothes that do not fit the climate or the situation such as short shorts or skirts, tank tops, and no jacket in the middle of winter.
- Lack of control over, money, personal possessions like bags, ID’s,or documents. May also be carrying very few possessions in a plastic bag.
- May be accompanied by a dominating person, or someone they seem fearful of. That controlling person may also be someone who does not seem to “fit,” such as a much older individual, an individual of a different race, or with behavior seemingly inappropriate with the suspected victim.
- Young girl or boy hanging around outside a convenience store, truck stop, casino, or other location. May be approaching different vehicles or men they do not seem to know.
Montana Department of Justice has additional resources on human trafficking.
Survivor Resources
- Her Campaign - Safe house, Emergency Shelter, Family Alliance, and Transitional
- Lifeguard Group - LifeHouse, LifeLine, Hotline, StreetSmart Defender Training
- Montana Human Trafficking Hotline - Call, Text, Chat
- National Human Trafficking Hotline - Get help 24/7 Confidential Call, Text, Chat, TTY
- Project STAND - Media Safety, Child Online Safety, Parental Empowerment Training
- The Worthy Ranch - Equine Therapy, Self-Worth, Life Coaching, Job Development
"Human trafficking occurs in Montana. The number of cases tracked by the Montana Department of Justice increased from 7 in 2015 to 106 in 2022, an increase of 1,400 percent. In order to end the problem, everyone must first know it exists. Once people are aware of trafficking and sexual slavery, everyone can work together to help stop this worldwide criminal epidemic." Montana DOJ. Here are some resources to further your knowledge about Human trafficking.
- Deliver Fund – Equips Law Enforcement with Breakthrough Technology to Fight Injustice
- Enough is Enough – Making the Internet Safety for Children and Families
- MBWDA Sentinel Project – Montana Distributors Against Human Trafficking
- Montana Department of Justice – MT DOJ investigation, enforcement, and prosecution
- Plains2Peaks – Providing Positive Mentorship and Outlets for Youth (Eastern MT)
- Pure Desire – Take Back your Life from Unwanted Sexual Behavior and Betrayal Trauma
- Safe House Project – Survivor I.D. Training, Survivor Empowerment, Safe Housing Certification
- Sentinel Project – Montana Trafficking 101 Guide
These resources are Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services' commonly referenced for human trafficking survivors and programs: