Human Trafficking is the second most profitable criminal activity in the U.S. today. Human trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery where people profit from the control and exploitation of others. As defined under U.S. federal law, victims of human trafficking include children involved in the sex trade, adults age 18 or over who are coerced or deceived into commercial sex acts, and anyone forced into different forms of “labor or services,” such as domestic workers held in a home, or farm-workers forced to labor against their will.
Trafficking happens more frequently than we know or would care to believe, and in our own communities —
- An estimated 28 million individuals are currently being trafficked around the world. (Source)
- Worldwide, almost 20% of all trafficking victims are children. (Source)
- The trafficking industry profits $150 billion annually. (Source)
- Children make up 27% of all human trafficking victims worldwide, and two out of every three identified child victims are girls. (Source)
- Most victims of trafficking were likely victims of child abuse or neglect prior to being trafficked. (Source)
- 11-14 is the average age of entry into sex trafficking. (Source)
- Studies report that 50-90% of child sex trafficking victims have been involved in the child welfare system. (Source)
Sex traffickers target children because of their vulnerability and innocence, as well as the market demand for young victims. Those at risk are not just high school students—studies show traffickers have been known to have victims as young as 12. Traffickers target minor victims online, on the street, or at large public places such as sporting events or shopping malls, or through friends or recruitment by other youth at schools and after-school programs, so no one is immune.
We urge you to learn more by viewing our resources:
Human Trafficking Lesson Plans:
Professional Development:
- Preventing, Recognizing, and Responding to Human Trafficking
- Let’s Talk About Prevention Webinar Session: Human Trafficking
Blog
Fact Sheet
Additional Resources:
Thorn: Human Trafficking Survivor Report
PolarisProject.org
Polaris Project is a leading organization in the global fight against human trafficking and modern-day slavery. By successfully pushing for stronger federal and state laws, operating the National Human Trafficking Resource Center hotline (1-888-373-7888), conducting trainings, and providing vital services to victims of trafficking, Polaris Project creates long-term solutions that move our society closer to a world without slavery.
Love146.org
Love146 believes in helping grow the movement of abolition while providing effective, thoughtful solutions to the global problem of human trafficking.
