Human Trafficking in Alabama: What It Actually Looks Like

Human trafficking is frequently perceived as a crime that occurs in distant locations or under extreme circumstances. However, advocates working in Alabama say the reality is far more complex and often less visible.

During a recent episode of Make It Make Sense, Alabama, representatives from The Little Tree Project, a nonprofit organization focused on anti-trafficking efforts, described how exploitation can occur within everyday environments and why it is often overlooked.

The organization, led by founder Allana Chris and Director of Operations Genna Van Varden, works with survivors of human trafficking and collaborates with law enforcement agencies across the state.

A Broader Definition of Trafficking

According to federal law, human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit individuals for labor or commercial sex. While public perception often centers on abduction or physical confinement, advocates say many cases involve psychological manipulation, financial dependence, or coercive control.

Chris noted that individuals commonly labeled as engaging in prostitution are, in many cases, victims of trafficking.

“People don’t typically enter that situation because they have a wide range of choices,” she said, describing patterns that often include prior abuse, addiction, or economic instability.

Exploitation Within Communities

Advocates emphasize that trafficking does not always involve physical restraint. In many cases, victims maintain a visible presence in their communities while operating under control behind the scenes.

“They’re going to schools, they’re working jobs, they’re interacting with people every day,” Chris said. “But there’s still coercion and control happening.”

Van Varden described trafficking as a cycle that can be reinforced over time, particularly when individuals are dependent on traffickers for housing, financial support, or substances.

Recruitment and Control

The pathways into trafficking vary, but several patterns have emerged in cases handled by The Little Tree Project.

Some individuals are recruited through personal relationships, where traffickers initially present themselves as supportive partners before introducing exploitation. Others are targeted online, where social media platforms are used to identify and engage vulnerable individuals.

Advocates also report cases of familial trafficking, in which exploitation occurs within family structures, often connected to substance abuse or financial hardship.

“These situations are often built on vulnerability,” Van Varden said. “It’s not always a single event. It develops over time.”

Collaboration With Law Enforcement

The Little Tree Project provides training and support to law enforcement agencies, including assistance with identifying victims and understanding the dynamics of trafficking.

Advocates say this training is critical, as victims have historically been misidentified as offenders in some cases, particularly when prostitution or drug use is involved. Through a multidisciplinary approach, the organization works alongside law enforcement to improve responses to trafficking cases and ensure victims are treated appropriately.

Van Varden said the organization also uses open source intelligence, or OSINT, to assist in locating individuals and gathering publicly available information that may support investigations.

Recognizing Potential Indicators

While trafficking can be difficult to identify, advocates point to several indicators that may warrant concern.

These include:

• signs of trauma

• lack of eye contact

• individuals appearing to be controlled by another person who speaks on their behalf

• limited access to personal belongings

• inconsistent or rehearsed responses

• visible signs of physical harm

Advocates caution that no single factor confirms trafficking, but patterns of behavior and surrounding circumstances can provide important context.

Reporting Concerns

If trafficking is suspected, advocates recommend contacting law enforcement or utilizing national resources such as the Human Trafficking Hotline. They emphasize that individuals should avoid direct intervention, as traffickers may pose a safety risk.

“It’s not about investigating the situation yourself,” Van Varden said. “It’s about recognizing when something isn’t right and reporting it to the appropriate authorities.”

Ongoing Challenges

Advocates also highlighted challenges within the legal system, including difficulties in prosecuting trafficking cases and disparities in how cases involving adult victims are handled compared to those involving minors.

They noted that trafficking cases can be difficult to prove, particularly when evidence is limited or victims are unable to cooperate due to fear or coercion. Despite these challenges, organizations across Alabama continue to expand training efforts and partnerships in an effort to improve identification, response, and prevention.

Increasing Awareness

Advocates say public awareness remains a key factor in addressing trafficking. While the issue has gained increased attention in recent years, they emphasize the importance of continued education and community involvement.

“People are starting to have the conversation,” Van Varden said. “That’s an important step.”

For organizations working in the field, that shift represents an opportunity to improve outcomes for individuals affected by exploitation and to better equip communities to recognize it.

Listen to the Full Interview Now

Listen to the full interview on Spotify, or wherever you listen to podcasts.

Links to listen on other platforms including Apple Podcasts, YouTube, and more can be found here.

Episode Resources

About the Guests

The Little Tree Project website: https://thelittletreeproject.com/

The Little Tree Project on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/the.little.tree.project

The Little Tree Project on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/_littletreeproject

Organizations and Partnerships Mentioned

Skull Games Solutions: https://skullgames.org/

Our Rescue: https://ourrescue.org/

Polaris Project: https://polarisproject.org/

OSINT

What is Open Source Intelligence (OSINT)? https://www.sans.org/blog/what-is-open-source-intelligence

Laws and Policies Mentioned

Sound of Freedom Act (Press Release): https://governor.alabama.gov/newsroom/2024/04/governor-ivey-signs-sound-of-freedom-act-making-alabamas-anti-human-trafficking-law-toughest-in-the-nation/

HB42 (Sound of Freedom Act): https://legiscan.com/AL/text/HB42/id/2982500

How to Get Help

• Text HELP or INFO to 233733 (BEFREE)

• Call the Human Trafficking Hotline (Polaris Project) at 888-373-7888

How to Support The Little Tree Project

• Donate directly through The Little Tree Project website

• Attend their annual Clay Shoot fundraiser (details released seasonally)

• Request training or speaking engagements for schools, churches, or organizations

• Share resources and increase awareness in your community