Get the Facts
Knowing the truth is the first act of resistance.
Exploitation thrives on silence and misinformation. These are the facts every community should know.
By the numbers
The scale of exploitation.
6.3 million
people are estimated to be in situations of forced commercial sexual exploitation on any given day worldwide.
78%
of people trafficked for sexual exploitation are women and girls, though men and boys are also victimized.
1 in 4
women in the United States experience severe intimate partner physical violence in their lifetime.
Under 18
Any minor involved in commercial sex is a victim of trafficking under U.S. law — no force, fraud, or coercion needs to be proven.
Sources include the International Labour Organization, the U.S. Department of State Trafficking in Persons Report, and the CDC National Intimate Partner and Sexual Violence Survey.
Recognize the signs
What to look for.
No single indicator confirms trafficking — but patterns matter.
Risk Factors
Vulnerabilities traffickers exploit
Often, traffickers prey on victims' vulnerabilities to create dependency. Significant risk factors include:
- A recent move or migration
- Drug or alcohol use
- Mental health concerns
- Having experienced violence in the past
- Unstable family life or involvement with the child welfare system
- Being a runaway or homeless youth
Warning Signs
Behaviors and conditions to watch for
These signs may indicate someone is being controlled or exploited:
- Appears fearful, anxious, submissive, or avoids eye contact
- Is not free to come and go as they wish, or is always accompanied
- Shows signs of physical abuse, restraint, or malnourishment
- Has few or no personal possessions and does not control their own ID or money
- Gives scripted or inconsistent answers about where they live or work
- Is unusually connected to an older or controlling partner
Myths & Truths
Correcting the record.
Myth
Trafficking always involves kidnapping.
Truth
Most victims are recruited by someone they know — a partner, family member, or acquaintance who uses manipulation rather than force.
Myth
It only happens in other countries.
Truth
Trafficking happens in every U.S. state, in cities, suburbs, and rural communities alike.
Myth
Victims will always ask for help.
Truth
Fear, trauma bonding, shame, immigration status, and distrust of law enforcement all keep survivors from coming forward.
In the news
News stories.
Reporting and research on trafficking, abuse, and the survivors who spoke out.
- Marie ClaireVirginia Giuffre Files A Lawsuit Against Prince Andrew Over Alleged Sexual Assaultby Jess Pullar
- BBC NewsPrince Andrew accuser asks public to 'stand beside her'
- InStylePrince Andrew Accuser Virginia Giuffre Urges Public to "Stand Up Beside Me"by Isabel Jones
- CBS NewsGhislaine Maxwell could "squeal" on "very well-known names," Epstein accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre says
- NBC NewsJeffrey Epstein accuser Virginia Roberts Giuffre testifies against modeling agent Jean-Luc Brunelby Sarah Fitzpatrick, Nancy Ing and Saphora Smith
- ILOGlobal Estimates of Modern Slaverypaper from The International Labour Organization
- The Washington PostSex-trafficked kids are crime victims. In Las Vegas, they still go to jailby Jessica Contrera
- The New York TimesR. Kelly's conviction represents a major #MeToo moment for Black womenby Troy Closson
- The New YorkerThe Irrepressibly Political Survivorship of Chanel Millerby Doreen St. Félix
- The New York TimesChanel Miller's Secret Source of Strengthby Jori Finkel
- SlateVanessa Springora's exhilarating—and very French—Consent departs from the typical memoir of abuseby Laura Miller
If something feels wrong, say something.
Reporting a concern can save a life. The National Human Trafficking Hotline is confidential and available 24/7.