According to the International Labour Organization (ILO), an estimated 28 million people were living in forced labor in 2022. Many victims cannot safely ask for help because they may be isolated, closely monitored, threatened with harm, have their identification documents withheld, or face language and cultural barriers.

This crime is not limited to one type of workplace. While the vast majority of employers treat their workers fairly, traffickers and exploitative employers can operate in virtually any industry.

Some sectors where forced labor has been identified include:

• Hotels and hospitality
• Restaurants and bars
• Retail businesses
• Construction
• Landscaping and lawn care
• Commercial fishing and seafood processing
• Cleaning and janitorial services
• Agriculture
• Manufacturing
• Domestic work in private homes

The presence of these industries does not mean trafficking is occurring at every business. Instead, these are industries where traffickers have been known to exploit vulnerable workers because the work may involve long hours, temporary employment, seasonal labor, or workers who are isolated or unfamiliar with their rights.

Who Can Be Affected?

Forced labor can affect anyone. Victims include people of every age, race, sex, nationality, religion, and socioeconomic background. While anyone can become a victim, traffickers often target individuals who are experiencing vulnerability or instability, and they frequently exploit these vulnerabilities by making false promises, creating financial dependence, or using threats and intimidation to maintain control.

Risk factors may include:

• Unstable immigration or work authorization status
• Limited English proficiency or language barriers
• Financial hardship or lack of stable housing
• Recent or unresolved trauma
• Limited support from family, friends, or the community
• Physical, intellectual, or developmental disabilities
• Social isolation

Recognizing The Signs

Forced labor can begin during recruitment or after employment has started. Workers may accept what they believe is a legitimate job, only to discover that the work, pay, or living conditions are very different from what was promised. Once employed, they may be prevented from leaving through threats, manipulation, debt, or other forms of coercion.

Some possible warning signs include:

• The worker appears fearful, anxious, or unable to speak freely.
• Someone else closely monitors or controls their interactions.
• The individual lives in overcrowded, unsafe, or employer-controlled housing.
• Their movements are restricted or they are isolated from the community.
• They are not allowed to keep their own identification or travel documents.
• They work excessive hours with little or no pay.
• Wages are withheld or reduced through unexplained deductions.
• They owe large recruitment fees or debts they cannot realistically repay.
• They are threatened with deportation, arrest, violence, or harm to themselves or their family if they try to leave.

If you believe you or someone you know may be experiencing forced labor, help is available. Contact Hotline Outer Banks' 24/7 Crisis Line at (252) 473-3366. If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.

The information on this page is part of the human trafficking awareness campaign produced by Hotline Outer Banks under O-OVC-2022-171264, awarded by the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), Office of Justice Programs (OJP), Office for Victims of Crime (OVC). The opinions, findings, and conclusions or recommendations expressed in this spot are those of the contributors and do not necessarily represent the official position or policies of the U.S. Department of Justice.