Sex trafficking, profiting from the control and exploitation of another person’s commercial sex activity through the use of force, fraud or coercion, is often poorly defined and misunderstood.
Victims of sex trafficking are induced into sex activities such as prostitution, pornography or working in massage parlors.
Commercial sex exchanges sex activities for anything of value, including money, drugs, food, clothes or shelter. Traffickers may be pimps, gang members, owners of brothels or other businesses, as well as intimate partners, family or parents of victims.
Exploiting minors for commercial sex is considered trafficking regardless of whether force, fraud or coercion are used.
Sex trafficking is a crime under United States and Virginia law.
Have questions or need help?
- Domestic and Sexual Violence 24-Hour Hotline 703-360-7273
- Domestic Violence Action Center 703-246-4573
- Domestic and Sexual Violence Services Main Office 703-324-5730
- If the threat is immediate, call 911.
