Office of New Americans and Immigrant Communities

Office of Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence (HTDV)

You can click the ESC key to leave this page, or click GO at the bottom of this page.

If you are in danger, call 9-1-1

About the Office
The Office of Human Trafficking & Domestic Violence works to prevent exploitation, support survivors, and strengthen community awareness. We coordinate citywide efforts, partnerships, and resources to ensure safety, justice, and recovery for all Houston residents.

Get Help Now
Community Partners (click the graphic) who are on call after hours for Immediate assistance:

The Landing

YMCA of Greater Houston

Recognizing Human Trafficking: What You Need to Know

Human trafficking is a serious crime where people are exploited through force, fraud, or coercion. It can happen anywhere — in cities, suburbs, and rural areas -- and often goes unnoticed. Knowing the signs can help save lives. Below are simple steps to help you identify possible trafficking and what to do if you suspect it. At the end, you’ll find helpful resources you can click on for more information or to report concerns.

Steps to Identify Human Trafficking

  1. Look for red flags in behavior or appearance:
    • Someone seems fearful, anxious, or submissive.
    • They avoid eye contact or seem to be under someone else's control.
    • They don’t have control of their own ID or money.
  2. Notice signs in work or living conditions:
    • They work long hours with little or no pay.
    • They live where they work or in poor conditions.
    • They are not allowed to speak for themselves.
  3. Watch for signs in travel or movement:
    • They are not allowed to leave or move freely.
    • Someone else speaks for them or answers all questions.
    • They don’t know what city they’re in or where they’re going.
  4. Pay attention to how they interact with others:
    • They seem isolated or are rarely alone.
    • They are closely monitored by someone else.
    • They show signs of abuse or neglect.

What is Human Trafficking -- https://youtu.be/35uM5VMrZas?si=UWe5ndyseVgYR667

What to Do If You Suspect Human Trafficking

  • Do not confront the suspected trafficker. This could put the victim and yourself in danger.
  • Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” to 233733 (BEFREE).
  • If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
  • Report tips anonymously through the hotline or online.

Helpful Resources
Here are some trusted links you can click for more information or to report concerns:

  • National Human Trafficking Hotline
  • Polaris Project
  • Department of Homeland Security – Blue Campaign
  • Texas Human Trafficking Resource Center

PSDA Videos

Recognizing / Understanding Domestic Violence

Domestic violence is a pattern of abusive behavior used by one person to gain or maintain control over another in a relationship. It can happen to anyone -- regardless of age, gender, or background. Abuse isn’t always physical; it can also be emotional, verbal, financial, or psychological. Knowing the signs can help protect yourself or someone else. Below are simple steps to recognize abuse and what to do if you or someone you know needs help. You’ll also find trusted resources linked at the bottom.

Signs of Domestic Violence
1. Emotional or Verbal Abuse

  • Constant criticism, name-calling, or humiliation
  • Blaming you for everything
  • Controlling who you see, where you go, or what you do

2. Physical Abuse

  • Hitting, slapping, pushing, or choking
  • Destroying property or threatening to hurt you or others
  • Preventing you from getting medical help

3. Financial Abuse

  • Controlling all the money or not allowing you to work
  • Taking your paycheck or limiting access to bank accounts
  • Forcing you to account for every penny spent

4. Psychological Abuse

  • Intimidation, threats, or stalking
  • Isolating you from friends and family
  • Making you feel like you’re “crazy” or worthless

What to Do If You Suspect Abuse

  • If you are in immediate danger, call 911.
  • Reach out to a trusted friend, family member, or counselor.
  • Call the National Domestic Violence Hotline at 1-800-799-SAFE (7233) or text “START” to 88788.
  • Create a safety plan if you’re thinking about leaving — many organizations can help you do this safely and privately.

Go to ... https://www.thehotline.org/

Helpful Resources

  • National Domestic Violence Hotline
  • Texas Council on Family Violence
  • Love Is Respect (for teens and young adults)
  • Houston Area Women’s Center

Report a Concern

  • National Human Trafficking Resource Center If you see one or several warning signs and suspect human trafficking activity, make an anonymous call to the National Human Trafficking Resource Center’s hotline. You can also text BeFree (233733). Learn about the warning signs of human trafficking from the Polaris Project by clicking here. Call 1-888-373-7888
  • National Domestic Violence Hotline If you are a victim or need additional resources, call the National Domestic Violence Hotline. It is available in Spanish and over 200 languages. Abusers can also call the national hotline for help and break the cycle of abuse. Chat with the hotline by clicking here. Call 1-800-799-7233 (SAFE)
  • HPD Vice Division You can also report a tip to the Houston Police Department’s Human Trafficking Unit by calling the Vice Division. If you believe someone may be in imminent danger, contact 911. Call (713) 308-8600
  • Houston Police Family Violence Unit For assistance in reporting domestic violence in Houston, call HPD’s Family Violence Unit. It is answered Monday through Friday from 8am – 4pm and available in Spanish. If you are in an emergency situation, dial 911. To request non-emergency police services, dial 713-884-3131. Call (713) 308-1100

Human Trafficking Prevention Training

  • Businesses such as hotels, motels, and other lodging facilities must complete and certify annual trafficking prevention training under City ordinance. The City of Houston’s Administration & Regulatory Affairs (ARA) Department oversees required Human Trafficking Prevention Trainings.
  • Hotel Ordinance Training and Certification

    • (832) 394-8803
    houstonpermithelp@houstontx.gov

    1002 Washington Ave, 1st Floor
    Houston, Texas 77002
    Human Trafficking Prevention | Houston Permitting Center

  • Community partners and City employees may also contact our office for awareness training opportunities.

Resources for Survivors
Community Partners who can provide resources

Contact Us
For questions, call 832.393.1010. By working together as a community, we can end human trafficking.

How We Can Help

Contact Dept. of Neighborhoods

City Hall Annex
City Hall Annex
900 Bagby, Public Level
Houston, TX 77002

DON Logo

The Department of Neighborhoods has five divisions that help neighbors resolve neighborhood concerns. Together, we help improve the quality of life in Houston neighborhoods through people-focused programs and strong community partnerships.