FORTIFY
YOUR HOME
Equipping families to stand strong in a digital age.
We believe that strong families are the first line of defense against exploitation.
This page is your go-to hub for tools, conversations, and resources — everything you need to protect, educate, and empower your family in a world where online threats like trafficking and sextortion are all too real.
Whether you're just getting started or looking to deepen your awareness, you'll find helpful, hope-filled content here.
FAMILY RESOURCES
ONLINE RESOURCES
BARK
Monitor texts, social media, search, and more
NET SMARTZ
From NCMEC, offers age-appropriate videos and activities that teach kids how to stay safe online and offline by recognizing risks and making smart choices.
INFLUENCED
Influenced Parent Academy is a video-based course designed for parents and guardians who are concerned about the digital world their child is navigating.
iEmpathize
iEMPATHIZE trains, empowers, and equips youth and adults to recognize, respond, and prevent exploitation and human trafficking through multimedia, survivor-led in-person or online training.
TAKE IT DOWN
A free service from the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children that can help you remove or stop the online sharing of nude, partially nude, or sexually explicit images or videos taken of you when you were under 18 years old.
NANA BABIES
Human Trafficking Awareness through Arts & Education. Their safe book helps educate children on safety in a way that is easy to understand and remember!
PROTECT YOUNG EYES
We help families, schools, and churches create safer digital spaces. It’s time to tame the tech and reconnect.
FAMILY TECH
A YouTube channel providing a mom’s practical advice on technology and parenting, how to set up Parental Controls, and more.
FORTIFY YOUR HOME WEBINAR
Live conversations with front-line experts.
Each quarter, we host a powerful live webinar featuring guest speakers who are actively working in the fight against human trafficking, sextortion, and online exploitation. These are voices from the front lines — law enforcement, survivors, digital safety experts, and counselors — ready to equip you with real-world tools to protect your home.
RECOGNIZING THE SIGNS
Human trafficking and exploitation can be difficult to detect, especially because victims are often manipulated or coerced into hiding their circumstances.
But there are warning signs—both subtle and obvious—that may signal a young person or adult is being exploited. Paying attention to changes in behavior, environment, or relationships can help you recognize when someone might be in danger.
General Warning Signs
Disconnection from support systems: Sudden withdrawal from family, friends, school, or community activities may be a red flag.
Behavior changes: Victims may become fearful, anxious, submissive, or overly quiet—especially around specific people or topics.
Physical signs of abuse: Unexplained injuries, signs of malnourishment, or frequent illness without explanation could indicate physical harm or neglect.
Controlled communication: If someone seems coached on what to say or can’t speak freely, they may be under someone else's control.
Restricted freedom: Limited access to social media, phones, transportation, or community spaces could point to intentional isolation.
No control over documents or money: Traffickers often withhold personal ID, money, or bank cards to maintain power over the victim.
Extreme anxiety or secrecy online: Hiding screens, reacting strongly to messages, or changing online habits suddenly may signal digital grooming or coercion.
Signs of Labor Trafficking
Trapped in a job: They may express fear about leaving or mention threats made by an employer or recruiter.
Debt bondage: Victims may owe money to their employer or not receive their promised wages.
Isolated living/working conditions: Being cut off from others, working excessive hours, or lacking access to basic needs is common.
Unsafe or inhumane environments: Lack of safety equipment, poor housing conditions, or overcrowded spaces may signal labor exploitation.
Relational & Online Red Flags
Older or controlling relationships: A young person with a much older partner or one who is secretive about the relationship may be experiencing grooming.
Unexplained luxury items: New phones, clothes, or gifts without a clear source could be a form of manipulation or control.
Emotional instability: Rapid changes in personality, increased defensiveness, or difficulty regulating emotions can be signs of trauma or coercion.
These are just some potential indicators, and not everyone who exhibits these signs is being trafficked or exploited. If you suspect someone is in danger, it's crucial to reach out to a trusted adult or professional for help.
You can contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP to 233733 for confidential assistance.
