Human trafficking is modern-day slavery, where traffickers use forceful or fraudulent means to recruit individuals for labor and sexual exploitation. The United Nations considers the act a violation of human rights and a serious crime affecting millions of people.
According to a 2022 Global Estimates of Modern Slavery report, there were over 27.6 million reported global human trafficking cases in 2021. Of this number, 6.3 million were sexual exploitation victims, while 17.3 million fell under the private sector.
Trafficking victims in the United States come from diverse backgrounds and include both U.S. citizens and foreign nationals. However, certain populations are more vulnerable than others. For instance, a study by Exodus Road shows that women and girls make up the majority of trafficking victims, accounting for 71% of the total cases.
The largest of this proportion is a target for commercial sexual exploitation. A report by Deliver Fund backs this data by indicating that this number ranges between 15,000 and 50,000 women annually.
Children are also a part of this statistic, with minors making up a significant portion. A National Center for Missing & Exploited Children report found that 1 in 6 endangered runaways reported to NCMEC in 2020 were likely child sex trafficking victims. Further, the report indicates that of the 17,000 reports, boys accounted for 7%.
A 2021 Trafficking Institute report indicates that 92% of the human trafficking cases that authorities filed in the Federal Courts were for sex trafficking. Further, of the total reported cases, 41% were sex trafficking.
Additionally, a Polaris Project report estimates that over 9,000 illicit massage businesses are operating in the U.S. Most of these businesses act as sex trafficking venues, with women and young girls being the primary victims.
The internet has also been a major sex trafficking contributor due to its anonymity and ease of reach. Traffickers find it easy to advertise and sell their victims, and it’s even harder for law enforcement to track and prosecute these crimes.
However, it’s a bit hard to quantify the true extent due to the hidden nature of the crime. The victims also find it hard to report these issues due to the fear of retribution.
Our Mission
At HTCourts.org our mission is to equip individuals, communities, and organizations with the knowledge and tools they need to take action against this heinous crime.
We believe that together, we can make a difference. To help you stay informed and get involved, we have compiled an extensive range of resources covering the following key areas:
- Facts: Learn about the prevalence, causes, and consequences of human trafficking, and how it impacts the lives of millions of innocent people in the US and around the world.
- Statistics: Stay up to date with the latest data and trends related to human trafficking, including the demographics of victims and traffickers, industries affected, and the scale of the problem in different regions.
- Shelters: Discover a directory of safe havens and support centers for survivors of human trafficking, where they can receive essential services such as medical care, psychological support, and legal assistance.
- Prevention Organizations: Connect with local and national organizations dedicated to preventing human trafficking, supporting survivors, and advocating for policy changes to better protect vulnerable populations.
By providing access to reliable information and resources, HTCourts.org aims to inspire individuals and communities to take action and join the fight against human trafficking. Together, we can raise awareness, support survivors, and ultimately, put an end to this modern-day form of slavery.
