Our Veteran Anti-Trafficking Campaign

U.S. Military Veterans,
WE NEED YOU

Stand as community pillars and continue protecting the innocent. When we were overwhelmed we relied on 'battle buddies.' Who is there for these children?

Veterans Against Pedophilia (V.A.P.), a subsidiary of Pietas Coalition Corporation, is dedicated to combating underage trafficking through community engagement and education. V.A.P. is the first of three campaigns with a unique voice and perspective. By leveraging the strength and integrity of the veteran community, V.A.P. aims to serve as a powerful force in protecting South Carolina’s most vulnerable population—its children.

V.A.P. is launching a signature line of t-shirts, Vigilant Veterans. Please 'favorite' this page and check back for updates. Proceeds from t-shirt purchases will fund overhead costs, the procurement of anti-sex trafficking education materials, training programs, and public speaking conferences.

Know the Signs

🚩 Behavioral and Emotional Signs

Sudden changes in behavior: anxiety, depression, or aggression
Avoids eye contact, appears fearful, anxious, submissive, or paranoid
Talks about a “boyfriend” or “manager” who’s older or unknown
Rehearsed responses or inability to speak freely
Withdrawn from family, friends, school, or activities
Hypersexual behavior or knowledge inappropriate for their age
Evidence of drug use (especially if sudden or unexplained)

🚩 Physical Indicators

Signs of physical abuse: bruises, cuts, burns, or branding (tattoos, carvings)
Malnourishment or frequent hunger
Inappropriate or provocative clothing inconsistent with the weather or their situation
Sudden appearance of expensive items (phones, shoes, jewelry)
Repeated STIs or pregnancies
Lacks identification (ID, passport, school records) or has someone else hold their documents

🚩 Environmental or Situational Red Flags

Lives with or is frequently accompanied by an older “boyfriend,” “friend,” or unrelated adult
Often seen in motels, hotels, gas stations, or known “track” areas
Has frequent absences from school, or enrolls in multiple schools in different locations
Avoids questions about home life or is inconsistent in stories
Seen working odd hours or in inappropriate environments
Talks about making “fast money” or being required to meet a nightly quota

🚩 Online and Social Media Behavior

Has multiple or secret social media accounts
Receives excessive direct messages or attention from adults
Sends or receives sexually explicit photos or messages
Mentions “sugar daddies,” modeling gigs, or “easy money”
Engages in live-streaming or shows signs of coercion in video content
Obsessed with or afraid of losing access to their phone

🚨 Common Phrases or Victim Responses

“He takes care of me.”
“I’m just staying with a friend.”
“I can’t talk about it.”
“It’s my fault.”
“I owe him/her money.”

🧩 Especially at Risk:

Foster youth
Children experiencing identity crises
Children with disabilities
Runaways and homeless youth
Kids with history of abuse, neglect, or poverty
Youth with prior involvement in juvenile justice or Protective Services

Report suspicious underage trafficking activity:

📞 1-888-373-7888
📲 Or text “BEFREE” (233733)
🌐 https://humantraffickinghotline.org

U.S. Military Veterans, WE NEED YOU