Take Action
We all can play a part in reducing the reach of human trafficking. What can I do?
People are trafficked because there is a market for their services. Make sure that you and those around you are not using anything that is connected to trafficking.
Support businesses that take a stand against human trafficking.
Donate to causes that are active in fighting human trafficking on the front lines, and supporting those that survive trafficking.
Learn more about what is being done on the font lines at:
Background
Human trafficking only officially became a crime in the United States in the year 2000, under the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA).
Although it is a $150 billion industry affecting 25 million people annually, no reliable data of how much trafficking occurs in the United States or in individual cities.
Definition
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Force, fraud, or coercion has to be present in order to be considered trafficking.
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There must be something of value involved.
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Sexual abuse or assault without the exchange of money is a crime, but not trafficking.
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The exception is when it occurs to a child under 18. Anyone under 18 that is being forced to engage in sexual acts is a victim of trafficking.
Why
Human trafficking is about Power, Vulnerability, and Profit
Traffickers are usually driven my money and exert their position over someone by putting them at a disadvantage.
Examples include: people forced to sell drugs, children sold into labor, landlords extorting sex for rent, people held against their will, forced to perform sex for money or provisions.
Who
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Victims often know and sometimes love the people that are trafficking them.
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It is rare that that a victim is kidnapped buy a total stranger.
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Manipulation (fraud and coercion) often depend on a victim's unique circumstance.
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These unique circumstances lure victims and keep them from breaking free.
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Oftentimes, victims don't identify as such and feel the consequences of leaving are worse than staying.
