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In the United States, two primary forms of human trafficking are recognized: forced labor and sex trafficking. Forced labor encompasses the range of activities involved when a person uses force, fraud, or coercion to exploit the labor or services of another person.
“Trafficking in persons” and “human trafficking” are umbrella terms—often used interchangeably—to refer to a crime where traffickers exploit and profit at the expense of adults or children by compelling them to perform labor or engage in commercial sex. When a person younger than 18 is used to perform a commercial sex act, it is a crime regardless of whether there is any force, fraud, or coercion involved.
Human trafficking can happen to anyone, but some people are more vulnerable than others. Significant risk factors include recent migration or relocation, substance use, mental health concerns, involvement with the child welfare system, and being a runaway or homeless youth. Evidence also suggests people of color and LGBTQ+ people are more likely to be trafficked than other demographic groups.
It is estimated that more than 27.6 million people — adults and children — are subjected to human trafficking worldwide, including in the United States. Traffickers often take advantage of instability in the wake of natural disasters, conflict, or a pandemic to exploit others. During the covid-19 pandemic, for instance, traffickers continued to perpetrate the crime, finding innovative ways to capitalize on the chaos.
Perpetrators of human trafficking span all racial, ethnic, and gender demographics and are as diverse as the people they traffic. Some use their privilege, wealth, and power as a means of control while others experience the same socio-economic oppression as their victims. They include individuals, business owners, gang members, parents or family members of victims, intimate partners, owners of farms or restaurants, powerful corporate executives, and political figures.
SAFETY ALERT – If you are in danger, call or text 911.
