THE PROBLEM
SEX TRAFFICKING IS WIDESPREAD, AND IT’S HAPPENING right here IN OUR COMMUNITY.
Human trafficking is the fastest-growing illegal crime in the world. It generates an estimated $236+ billion dollars in profit every year. Around $47 billion of that profit comes directly from developed nations like the United States. It is the only industry in which supply and demand are the same thing: HUMAN BEINGS.
Sex Trafficking is modern-day slavery. Every day, girls like me are sold over and over to make money for the trafficker. To my trafficker, I am not human, I am a product. I have no say in what happens in my life. My trafficker controls my life. I belong to him. He owns me. That’s what it means to be trafficked.
— Survivor
15
the average age for a child to be exploited by a trafficker
50%
of victims sex trafficked are female, and 30% are children
50%
of the survivors we serve were trafficked by a family member
WHAT IS IT?
Sex trafficking is a federal crime in all 50 states.
SEX TRAFFICKING occurs 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.
A COMMERCIAL SEX ACT includes prostitution, pornography, and/or sexual performance in exchange for any item of value, such as money, drugs, shelter, food, or clothes.
Traffickers FIND victims through:
Social Network
Home Neighborhood
Clubs or Bars
Internet
School
Lured through promises of:
Security
Love
Opportunity
Adventure
TO ENSURE COMPLIANCE, TRAFFICKERS USE:
Violence
Fear
Threats
Intimidation
WHO ARE THE VICTIMS?
Many misconceptions and social stigmas surround assumptions about who is involved in sex trafficking and why they’re involved.
Trafficking can happen to anyone, but certain factors can put some individuals at higher risk. Vulnerabilities include poverty or housing insecurity, as well as those who have experienced trauma or struggle with addiction. Individuals from marginalized communities, immigrants, and LGBTQ+ individuals, are disproportionately affected due to past and present discrimination and are more susceptible to exploitation and trafficking.
Fighting trafficking on the victim level is complex. We must understand the vulnerabilities and factors to look for, so we can better protect vulnerable neighbors while also breaking down stereotypes to see the victim as a whole person with their own unique story.
TOP 5 RISK FACTORS
Substance Abuse
510
Runaway Homeless Youth
473
Recent Migration
416
Unstable Housing
366
Mental Health
334
*Polaris Project 2019 Statistics
SUPPLY & DEMAND
The solution is clear: no demand, no supply. By eradicating the demand, we can put an end to trafficking.
Addressing sex trafficking typically (and understandably) focuses on holding traffickers accountable, but little attention is given to the actions of the buyers. Despite their role in the crime and exploitation, buyers are rarely seen as culpable.
Statistics say 1 in 5 people participate in activities that fuel sex trafficking.
Pornography is available to almost everyone with internet access. It is addictive and dehumanizes people, perpetuates abuse, and fuels the demand for sex trafficking.
Regardless of the type of trafficking, the motive for traffickers is simple: profit. It is estimated that human trafficking generates a staggering $236+ billion in profits. The industry thrives due to the growing demand for sex and, even more abhorrently, the rape of minors. Without buyers, the industry would not seek victims for trafficking, and we can all address this side of the issue.
