The Problem

Sex trafficking is a criminal industry driven by supply and demand.

When people buy commercial sex, they boost demand, which in turn spur the incentive for traffickers, who seek to maximize profits by exploiting trafficking victims.

If we want to eradicate sex trafficking, it’s crucial for buyers to realize they’re part of the problem. By not engaging in commercial sex, people can help lower the demand and, in turn, help put an end to trafficking.

Trafficking happens when someone uses force, fraud, or coercion to cause a commercial sex act with an adult or causes a minor to commit a commercial sex act. This includes things like prostitution, pornography, or sexual performances in exchange for anything of value—whether that’s money, shelter, food, clothing, or even medication. For a child, items like toys or school supplies can also be considered valuable. If a minor under 18 is involved in commercial sex, they are considered a victim of trafficking, no matter if there’s force or fraud involved.

Traffickers are known to target their victims and have all sorts of tricks up their sleeves to control their victims. They might use violence, threats, lies, intimidation, or empty promises to make sure victims comply with what they want them to do.

Trafficking can happen anywhere—neighborhoods, fields, factories, schools, hotels, retail stores, private homes, or even sports events. There’s no place that’s off-limits.

From speaking with survivors, we have learned that the typical age for a minor to enter sex trafficking is between the ages of 12 and 14. Many say the grooming or first introduction to inappropriate touching began at a much earlier age.

 

SIMPLY PUT TRAFFICKING IS
  • FORCE
  • FRAUD
  • COERCION
  • FACILITATED BY SOMEONE ELSE

 

WHO ARE THE TRAFFICKERS

No one race, nationality, or gender stands out as being, “traffickers”. They can be from any background, including family members, romantic partners, friends, acquaintances, or strangers. 

TRAFFICKERS LURE THEIR VICTIMS IN

Traffickers take the time to get to know their victims. They use the individuals’ desires and stories to lure them in and make them feel special.

THE GROOMING BEGINS

The victims’ stories become the traffickers’ weapons. Promises are made, and lies are told. They are treated to new clothing, money, and housing. They may begin playing with illicit drugs.

COERCION & MANIPULATION

The mixed messages begin. The trafficker plays with their emotions and begins to withdraw. The victims try to get back on the good side of the trafficker. Sexual acts and compliance are rewarded with drugs or money.

EXPLOITATION

The victim finally breaks down and complies. It’s believed they owe a debt. Loved ones are threatened, along with experiencing emotional and physical abuse. They feel isolated and trapped.

Handful of Myths

Reality: Human trafficking is frequently mistaken for human smuggling, which involves crossing borders illegally. However, human trafficking itself does not necessitate movement; survivors can be recruited and exploited in their own communities or even within their own homes.

Reality: This is sometimes the case, but more often, individuals in trafficking situations stay for more complex reasons. They might not have access to essential resources like transportation or a secure place to live, fear for their safety, or have been so effectively manipulated that they no longer perceive themselves as controlled by another person.

Reality: Many individuals who survived trafficking have been exploited by their partners, including spouses, and by relatives, such as parents.

Reality: One of the most common myths about human trafficking is that it always or often entails kidnapping or physical force. However, in reality, the majority of traffickers use psychological methods such as deception, fraud, manipulation, or threats to coerce victims into commercial sex or exploitative work.

Reality: According to one study, up to half of sex trafficking victims and survivors are male, though advocates suggest this figure could be even higher due to the lower likelihood of identifying male victims. LGBTQ boys and young men are considered especially vulnerable to trafficking.


Signs of Trafficking

Trafficking may seem difficult to identify. While there’s not always one single indicator, there are signs.


SIGNS OF CHILD TRAFFICKING


SPEECH/BEHAVIOR

  • BEING SECRETIVE ABOUT WHO THEY ARE TALKING TO OR HANGING OUT WITH
  • SEXUAL KNOWLEDGE BEYOND WHAT IS AGE-APPROPRIATE
  • CHANGE IN PERSONALITY
  • GANG COLORS, DOODLES OF GANG SYMBOLS


BELONGINGS

  • EXCESS AMOUNTS OF CASH
  • NEW POSSESSIONS, CLOTHING, SHOES, MANICURES
  • MULTIPLE PHONES
  • HOTEL KEY CARDS

PEERS

  • OLDER BOYFRIEND OR GIRLFRIEND
  • ISOLATED FROM FRIENDS AND FAMILY
  • SKIPPING CLASSES OR YOUTH GROUP
  • SEXUALLY ACTING OUT
  • CHRONICALLY TRUANT, RUNAWAY

OTHER SIGNS OF TRAFFICKING 
  • UNEXPLAINED INJURIES
  • SEXUALLY PROVOCATIVE CLOTHING
  • BRANDING OR TATTOOS
  • UNABLE TO MAKE DECISIONS WITHOUT APPROVAL
  • APPEARING MALNOURISHED
  • AVOIDING EYE CONTACT OR SOCIAL INTERACTION
  • SCRIPTED OR REHEARSED RESPONSES
  • DOESN’T HAVE ACCESS TO THEIR PERSONAL DOCUMENTS
  • LACK OF PERSONAL POSSESSIONS

 

If you believe you are a victim of human trafficking or may have information about a potential trafficking situation, please contact the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline

1-888-373-7888 or text “BeFree” – 233733

If you or someone you know is in immediate danger, please call 911.