Human trafficking involves the exploitation of individuals for labor or commercial sex through force, fraud or coercion, typically affecting vulnerable populations of women, children, migrants and marginalized communities. Despite efforts to combat this abhorrent crime, it remains a significant problem globally, with the United States being no exception. According to the U.S. Department of State, approximately 25 million people are victims of human trafficking worldwide, with an estimated 8,000 to 10,000 victims trafficked into the United States annually.
Awareness and education are key components in the fight against human trafficking. In recent years, many states, along with a handful of smaller jurisdictions and the federal government, have taken steps to increase awareness by requiring the display of human trafficking posters in certain businesses. These posters serve as a tool to educate employees, customers and the public about the signs of human trafficking and how to report suspected cases.
States Currently Requiring Human Trafficking Posters
As employers, it's essential to know whether your business is required to display human trafficking posters. Impacted businesses typically include hotels, adult entertainment establishments, private clubs that serve liquor, massage parlors, agricultural labor contractors, airports, train stations, bus stations and truck stops. Requirements may vary by state, however, so it's crucial to familiarize yourself with the specific regulations in your jurisdiction. You may have to display postings in certain languages, as well.
In addition to covering the legal protections against human trafficking, these posters highlight the National Human Trafficking Hotline, a confidential toll-free number that individuals can call to report suspected cases of human trafficking or seek help if they are victims themselves.
Human trafficking posters play a crucial role in raising awareness, protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring legal compliance, particularly in states that now require workplace postings.
Here is a list of the 30+ states* that currently require human trafficking posters to be displayed:
- Alabama
- Arkansas
- California
- Connecticut
- Florida
- Georgia
- Hawaii
- Illinois
- Indiana
- Kansas
- Louisiana
- Maine
- Maryland
- Michigan
- Missouri
- Montana
- Nebraska
- New Jersey
- New Mexico
- North Carolina
- New York
- North Dakota
- Ohio
- Pennsylvania
- Rhode Island
- South Carolina
- Tennessee
- Texas
- Vermont
- Virginia
- West Virginia
- Wisconsin
*Please note that many employers opt to display a human trafficking poster even if it’s not mandatory.
Build Awareness and Secure Posting Compliance
In addition to complying with legal requirements, displaying human trafficking posters demonstrates your commitment to social responsibility and ethical business practices.
Human Trafficking Posters by ComplyRight can eliminate any confusion regarding state-specific requirements and ensure you’re in compliance.
