Human trafficking is when someone uses force, lies, or pressure to make another person work or do things they don't want to do. It can happen anywhere, even here in Tennessee. That's why families need to learn about it, notice the signs, and know what to do.
The Tennessee Department of Health created the Red Sand Project toolkit to help. It gives families, schools, and neighbors clear ways to talk about trafficking and stop it. You can download the toolkit here: Red Sand Toolkit (PDF)
The toolkit includes creative yet impactful ideas, like placing red sand on sidewalks to spark conversation and raise awareness. The toolkit also provides a printable handout with important facts about human trafficking, common warning signs to watch for, and helpful safety tips designed to protect children and teens.
Be alert to the signs of human trafficking:
- Someone can't talk for themselves
- They look afraid or worried
- They have injuries with no reasonable explanation
- They seem lost or unsure where they are
If you think you might be seeing human trafficking, please act quickly to alert authorities:
- Tennessee Human Trafficking Hotline:1-855-55-TNHTH (86484)
- National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 (TTY: 711) or text 233733 (text “HELP” or “INFO”)
You can learn more from these trusted sources
By learning these signs and using the toolkit together, Tennessee families can help protect our communities and stop human trafficking.