Human Trafficking is the most overlooked, misunderstood and under-reported form of human exploitation in our country today.
This crime can happen to anyone with no regard to age, gender, race, ethnicity, citizenship, economic status, education level, or community lived-in.
Victims have been recognized in all 50 states
Victims are both U.S.citizens and foreign nationals
Traffickers target people with vulnerabilities
Vulnerabilities include low self-esteem; a desire to belong and be loved; loneliness; a need for food, shelter, clothing; a need for economic stability; a desire for fame, wealth and money.
Victims are tricked into a trafficking situation and do not know it until it is too late; there is no safe way to leave without harm to self or others.
Force, fraud or coercion are used to target, groom, control and exploit an individual
The physical, psychological, and emotional consequences of being trafficked are far-reaching and long-lasting. Complex Trauma is the number one health problem in victims and survivors.
Individuals under the age of 18 are automatically victims of human trafficking. Force, fraud or coercion do not have to be present.
Individuals under the age of 18 who are trapped in sex trafficking are not criminals. They are victims of child abuse and deserve protection under the law. There is no such thing as a "child prostitute."