Understanding the Truth About Modern Slavery and Human Trafficking
Human trafficking is not a problem that only exists in faraway places. It’s happening right now in cities, suburbs, and small towns across the world, including the United States. Knowing the facts is the first step to protecting vulnerable people and taking meaningful action.
What Is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is the exploitation of people through force, fraud, or coercion for the purposes of labor, sexual exploitation, or both. It is a form of modern-day slavery.
Victims can be:
Children or adults
Men or women
Foreign nationals or U.S. citizens
From any race, religion, or economic background
Traffickers use manipulation, threats, violence, and deception to trap people in situations they can’t escape.
Human Trafficking by the Numbers
Over 50 million people are living in modern slavery worldwide (ILO, 2022)
An estimated 1 in 4 trafficking victims is a child
Sex trafficking and forced labor are the two most common forms
Human trafficking is a $150 billion per year global industry
❗ These numbers are likely underreported due to the hidden nature of trafficking.
Types of Human Trafficking
Sex Trafficking
Victims are forced or coerced to engage in commercial sex acts. This can include:
Escort services
Pornography production
Street-based prostitution
Trafficking through online platforms or social media
Labor Trafficking
Victims are exploited for their work under unsafe or inescapable conditions, often without pay. Common industries include:
Agriculture
Domestic work
Construction
Hospitality
Manufacturing
Child Exploitation
Children are trafficked for both sex and labor, often through:
Online grooming and sextortion
Forced begging or criminal activity
Domestic servitude
Illegal adoption or forced marriage
Myths vs. Facts
Myth: Trafficking always involves kidnapping.
Fact: Most victims are trafficked by someone they know such as friends, family members, romantic partners, or employers.
Myth: It only happens in poor or developing countries.
Fact: Human trafficking happens in every U.S. state and in all socioeconomic groups.
Myth: Victims always want to escape and will ask for help.
Fact: Many victims don’t see themselves as trafficked, or are too afraid or manipulated to seek help.
Signs of Human Trafficking
Knowing what to look for can save lives. Common red flags include:
Someone unable to speak freely or leave their situation
Signs of physical abuse or malnutrition
Working excessive hours under poor conditions
Fearful, anxious, or submissive behavior
Sudden changes in behavior, friends, or appearance
Possessions or money the person can’t explain
What You Can Do
Stay informed. Share the facts and help others understand the issue.
Speak up. If something seems wrong, don’t look the other way.
Support survivors. Donate to or volunteer with trusted organizations.
Advocate for stronger protections. Push for legislation and policies that protect the vulnerable.
If You See Something, Say Something
If you suspect someone may be a victim of trafficking or exploitation, get help immediately.
Contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “BEFREE” (233733).
*All reports are confidential and can be made anonymously.
Knowledge Is Power
The more we know, the more we can prevent. Together, we can shine a light on hidden exploitation and build a world that is truly free.