Human Trafficking Prevention Month
When we began in 2007, Human Trafficking was not a common term. Three things define it: force, fraud, and coercion. Around the world, millions of people have had this basic right stolen from them. Those who escape are left with barriers that block their ability to move forward and grow.
For Human Trafficking Prevention Month, we invite you to learn more about human trafficking and spread awareness with your community.
Human Trafficking FAQ’s
What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts or labor or services against his or her will.
Estimated 40.3 million victims of human trafficking around the world
Human trafficking occurs when a perpetrator, often referred to as a trafficker, takes an ACTION, and then employs the MEANS of force, fraud or coercion for the PURPOSE of compelling the victim to provide commercial sex acts or labor or services. At a minimum, one element from each area must be present to establish a potential situation of human trafficking in a US Court of Law.
What are the types of Human Trafficking?
Labor Trafficking: the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery.
Sex Trafficking: a commercial sex act induced by force, fraud, or coercion (including pornography). In cases where the victim is under 18, no force, fraud, or coercion is necessary to be persecuted as sex trafficking.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can become a victim of human trafficking, however systemic inequalities and disparities make certain groups much more vulnerable to exploitation. Mass displacement, conflict, extreme poverty, limited access to education and job opportunities, violence, and harmful social norms are all factors that make individuals susceptible to trafficking. Often, traffickers identify and leverage their victims’ vulnerabilities in order to create dependency.
Victims trafficked for sexual exploitation are recruited most often by an intimate partner, and victims of trafficking for labour exploitation are more likely to be recruited by friends and family.
Top 5 Risk Factors for Human Trafficking in the United States:
Sex Trafficking:
Induces / Exploits Substance Abuse Issues
Physical Abuse
Sexual Abuse
Intimidation - Weapons
Emotions abuse - Intimacy Related
Labor Trafficking
Withholds Pay / Earnings
Excessive Working Hours
Threat to Report to Immigration
Verbal Abuse
Withholds / Denies Needs
What causes Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is the only industry in which the supply and demand are the same thing: human beings. People demanding the sale of people.
High demand drives the high volume of supply. Increasing demand from consumers for cheap goods incentivizes corporations to demand cheap labor, often forcing those at the bottom of the supply chain to exploit workers. Secondly, increased demand for commercial sex - especially with young girls and boys - incentivizes commercial sex venues including strip clubs, pornography, and prostitution to recruit and exploit children.
What is the economic impact of Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is fueled by a high reward, low risk dynamic. This means that traffickers can expect to make a lot of money with minimal fear of punishment or legal consequence. It’s the second most profitable illegal industry— second only to the drug trade. And while drugs are sold in one transaction, human beings can be sold over and over again. The costs are low and the profits are extremely high.
The International Labor Organization estimates that profits from human trafficking and forced labor are $150 billion annually.
What do I do if someone I know is a victim of Human Trafficking?
Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline
1 (888) 373-7888
SMS: 233733 (Text "HELP" or "INFO")
Hours: 24 hours, 7 days a week
Languages: English, Spanish and 200 more languages
Website: humantraffickinghotline.org
What are reliable sources for data about human trafficking?
Global Data:
US Data:
3 Ways to Spread Awareness About Human Trafficking
Host a Virtual Event
Educate your staff, clients, or friends with a 15 or 30 minute Virtual Event!
Post on Social Media
Help spread awareness and dispel myths about human trafficking when you share our ready made posts.
Download our Social Media Kit
Create a Fundraiser
Help raise funds for vulnerable young women around the world. Dedicate your birthday, a holiday, or event to International Sanctuary.
Learn More
