Lesson 5: Human Trafficking Awareness
Introduction
Human trafficking is one of the most serious crimes occurring in Texas today. As a licensed barber, you interact with people from all walks of life — making you uniquely positioned to recognize the signs of trafficking and take action. This lesson fulfills the TDLR human trafficking awareness requirement for your barber license renewal.
Texas law requires all licensed barbers to complete human trafficking awareness training as part of their continuing education hours. Watch the full video below. An identity verification check will appear during the lesson — answer within 30 seconds or this section will restart from the beginning.
Training Video — "Be The One"
The following training video was produced by the Office of the Texas Attorney General and is used for mandatory training across all Texas state agencies. It walks through real cases prosecuted in Texas, explains how traffickers operate, and equips you with the red flags and reporting steps every Texan needs to know.
Key Takeaways
After watching the video, review these core points. These topics will appear on your end-of-section quiz.
- Human trafficking is a Texas problem — Texas has the second-highest number of calls to the National Human Trafficking Hotline in the country.
- Know the two types — Sex trafficking (commercial sexual exploitation) and labor trafficking (forced labor for goods or services).
- Traffickers use control tactics — debt bondage, document confiscation, threats, isolation, and psychological manipulation keep victims from seeking help.
- Victims rarely self-identify — they may appear cooperative or deny being in danger. Look for behavioral and physical signs, not just what they say.
- Your role is to report, not rescue — contact authorities. Do not attempt to intervene directly or confront a suspected trafficker.
Red Flags in a Barbershop Setting
As a barber, you interact closely with clients and may notice signs others miss. Be alert to clients or individuals who:
- Appear malnourished, excessively tired, or show signs of physical abuse
- Are accompanied by someone who speaks for them, controls their movements, or refuses to leave them alone
- Seem disoriented, confused about their location, or unfamiliar with the surrounding area
- Give scripted, rehearsed, or inconsistent answers to basic questions
- Do not possess their own ID, or state that someone else is "holding" their documents
- Have tattoos or branding that may indicate ownership by a trafficker
Do not confront a suspected trafficker directly. Your safety comes first. If you suspect trafficking, find a private moment to offer the hotline number, or contact authorities after the individual has left your establishment.
How to Report
Texas-specific reporting resources:
- iWatchTexas — 844-643-2251 or iWatchTx.org
- Texas DPS — reportitTexas.org
- Local law enforcement — always call 911 if someone is in immediate danger
End of Lesson 5 content. The timer must complete before you can advance to Lesson 6.