By Olivia Clark
Human trafficking often looks different than what is portrayed in movies or on social media, according to advocates from the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, who recently led a community awareness training focused on prevention and education.
Stephanie Barona, human trafficking care coordinator at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, explained that trafficking involves one person exerting control over another through “force, fraud or coercion” for the purpose of exploitation. She emphasized that this control is not always obvious and can take many forms.
“Human trafficking is basically when one person exercises control over another person,” Barona said. “This person cannot simply walk away.”
Barona noted that trafficking can involve labor or sexual exploitation but stressed that community members do not need to be experts to help prevent it. Awareness of common warning signs is often the first step.
Shayla Gonzalez, sexual assault services and mental health ambassador at the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay, encouraged residents to rethink common assumptions about what trafficking looks like.
“There is no perfect picture of what this crime looks like,” Gonzalez said. “A lot of times we think of a white van scenario, but in actuality, this is something that is happening within our own city limits.”
According to Gonzalez and Barona, potential indicators may include individuals who appear fearful or unable to speak for themselves, lack access to personal identification, have limited control over money or transportation or are closely monitored by another person. While these signs do not always indicate trafficking, advocates said they are worth noting.
Gonzalez explained that traffickers often rely on manipulation rather than physical force.
“They are master manipulators,” she said, adding that traffickers may take advantage of trust, emotional connections or financial dependence to maintain control.
The training emphasized that community members should never attempt to intervene directly. Instead, attendees were encouraged to trust their instincts, document their concerns and report suspicious situations to the appropriate authorities.
“If you feel like something is going on, it’s better to report it,” Barona said. “It’s better to say something and it be nothing than to say nothing and it be something.”
Both speakers stressed that education plays a key role in prevention and that awareness should extend beyond Human Trafficking Awareness Month.
Residents seeking information, support or referrals can contact the Crisis Center of Tampa Bay’s 24-hour helpline by dialing 211.
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