A founder-led nonprofit working against human and child trafficking through community education, research, and coordinated response.
Awareness.
People can only act on what they can recognize. I share what trafficking looks like with families, schools, and neighbors.
Intelligence.
I study how exploitation works, online and offline, and turn research into plain guidance for communities and partners.
Action.
I point people who notice something to the right reporting channels, and I'm building relationships with law enforcement and service providers.
- 27.6 million
- people in forced labour worldwide in 2021, the most recent global estimateILO, Walk Free, IOM
- 38%
- of trafficking victims detected worldwide are childrenUNODC Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, 2024
- $236 billion
- in illegal profits made from forced labour every yearInternational Labour Organization
- 15,085
- trafficking cases identified in the U.S. in 2025National Human Trafficking Hotline
Reported and detected cases capture only part of the problem, because trafficking is hidden and often goes unreported.
Trafficking hides in ordinary places.
Human trafficking is the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit a person for labor or commercial sex. When the person is a minor, no force or coercion needs to be shown. It happens in homes, workplaces, online games, and social media, often to people who trust the person exploiting them.
Community education
Guidance and materials for parents, students, faith groups, and local organizations.
Strategic intelligence
Research on trends, tactics, and online risk, turned into guidance people can use.
Partnerships
Building relationships with local law enforcement, nonprofits, and universities so information reaches the people who can act on it.
Know the signs.
One sign alone does not prove trafficking. A cluster of signs, or a change that doesn't fit, is a reason to pay attention and report.
- Sudden new gifts, money, or phones with no clear source
- An older "boyfriend" or "friend" who controls contact or plans
- Unexplained absences from school or running away
- Secretive online activity, or new accounts and contacts
- Withdrawal, fear, or sharp changes in behavior
- Tattoos or branding that suggest ownership by someone else
- Someone else holds their ID, passport, or pay
- Owing a debt to an employer that never shrinks
- Unable to leave a job or home, or always accompanied
- Signs of physical harm, or fear when speaking about work
- Scripted answers, or another person speaks for them
- Living and working in the same place in poor conditions
If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
Get help or report a tip.
The Vigilance Project is a one-person organization and not a crisis or emergency service. Please use the lines above for urgent help.
Who's behind this.
My name is David. I recently graduated with a master's degree focused on Homeland Security, cybersecurity, and emergency management, and I'm building The Vigilance Project one relationship and one resource at a time.
Because it's just me right now, I can't staff a helpline or respond to emergencies. If you or someone else needs help, please use the numbers above.
Help me reach more people.
Invite me
Ask me to share materials or speak with your school, congregation, workplace, or community group.
Partner with me
Law enforcement, service providers, and researchers: let's share what we learn.
Share the signs
Send this page to a parent, teacher, or coworker. Awareness spreads person to person.