Human Trafficking

United States law defines human trafficking as the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts or labor against their will, for the economic gain of the trafficker.

Any minor under the age of 18 is a victim regardless of whether the trafficker used force, fraud, or coercion.

Child Sex Trafficking

A form of child abuse that occurs when a child under 18 years of age is advertised, solicited, or exploited through a commercial sex act. This includes the exchange of anything of value - such as money, drugs, or a place to stay for sexual activity.

Once recruited, traffickers frequently use violence, intimidation, drug addiction, and psychological manipulation to trap victims into sexual exploitation.

Recruitment

Traffickers tend to prey on people who are economically or socially vulnerable - such as youth who are living in poverty, experiencing physical or sexual abuse, or are misusing substances.

Traffickers pose as a friend or boyfriend and offer meals, gifts, or just a sympathetic ear. In some cases, they may use another young person to befriend and recruit their victims. This grooming and recruitment can happen anywhere - while living at home or attending school, but especially through social media, false advertisements, or opportunities that might appeal to young people.

Using these methods over time, the trafficker is no longer a stranger, but someone the victim knows and even trusts. With this trust in place, traffickers do not need to kidnap their victims.

Statistics

  • The average age of entry into sex trafficking is 12-14 years old.
  • 26% of trafficked persons are minors (under the age of 18)
  • 1 in 5 runaways and homeless youth are victims of human trafficking
  • Virginia ranks 15th in the U.S. for reported cases of human trafficking

The covert nature of child sex trafficking makes it inherently difficult to identify and track.

A victim/survivor may:

  • Exhibit signs of physical or psychological trauma.
  • Work excessive hours, but receives little or no pay.
  • Someone who is not free to move or travel without restriction.
  • A person who is not in control of their personal identification documents.

Questions to Ask

  • Is someone forcing you to work against your will?
  • Are you being forced to perform any type of sex acts?
  • Is your passport, driver’s license, or birth certificate being kept from you?

Gaining the trust of trafficking victims is an important first step in providing assistance.

To report suspected human trafficking, submit an online tip here.

If you are in immediate danger and fear for your safety, call 911.