In the Wake of Sean “Diddy” Combs Arrest, Learn More About the Sex Trafficking Signs You Should Look Out For

By: Ruelle Champion and Dr. Judith Oriental-Pierre

Following the arrest of music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs, sex trafficking and sexual abuse have taken over news headlines.

“I want to emphasize that our commitment is to the safety, dignity, and well-being of all survivors of sexual violence, exploitation, and trafficking,” said Dr. Judith Oriental-Pierre, medical director of the Roxcy Bolton Rape Treatment Center. “The recent arrest of Sean ‘Diddy’ Combs on sex trafficking charges brings to the forefront the critical and ongoing issue of trafficking and the exploitation of vulnerable individuals.”

The recent federal indictment outlines how Combs used his status to intimidate, threaten, and lure female victims into sexual acts. Then, he used force and threats of force to have them engage in sexual acts with others.

“While we recognize that every person is innocent until proven guilty, these charges, if substantiated, remind us of the pervasive nature of sex trafficking in our society,” Dr. Oriental-Pierre said. “It is a grave violation of human rights and a crime that leaves deep, lasting impacts on survivors. This case underscores the need for continued vigilance, awareness, and support for survivors, as well as the importance of holding perpetrators accountable, regardless of their status or public persona.”

According to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, violence, threats, and manipulation make up some of the ways sex traffickers abuse their victims.

Recognizing the tactics sex traffickers use is a way that anybody can help identify and report sex trafficking. According to the U.S. Department of State, there are key red flags that should be reported to authorities if someone comes across a potential victim:

• Living with an employer
• Poor living conditions
• Inability to speak with a potential victim alone
• Signs of physical abuse
• Submissive or fearful behavior
• Signs of physical abuse (bruises, cuts, burns)
• Malnourishment or signs of poor hygiene
• Having few personal possessions or wearing the same clothes frequently
• Working long hours or under extreme conditions
• Not being paid or having wages significantly below minimum wage

There are also questions that any person can ask a potential victim, especially if that victim is afraid of their abuser:

• Can you come and go as you please?
• Have you been hurt or threated if you try to leave?
• Has your family/career/livelihood been threatened?
• Where do you sleep and eat?
• Do you have your identification or passport? If you don’t, who has it?

These signs and questions can serve as a starting point to identify and report a sex trafficking situation. The Roxcy Bolton Rape Treatment Center (RTC) is a resource available 24/7 for victims of this crime, equipped with the proper mental and physical tools for treatment. RTC is one of the few rape treatment centers in the nation to provide an all-inclusive approach to caring for victims of sexual assault.

“We stand in solidarity with all survivors and reaffirm our commitment to providing comprehensive care, advocacy, and support to those impacted by such heinous acts,” Dr. Oriental-Pierre said. “We encourage anyone who suspects trafficking or who may be a victim to reach out for help. You are not alone; there are resources and people ready to assist you in finding safety and healing.”

The National Human Trafficking Hotline, available at 1-888-373-7888 is a 24-hour, toll-free service where callers can report tips and get access to the right resources.