Sex Trafficking

Sex trafficking is a form of human trafficking in which individuals are exploited for the purposes of commercial sex. This can include prostitution, as well as other forms of sexual exploitation such as pornography or exotic dancing. Victims of sex trafficking are often coerced or forced into the sex trade, and may be threatened or physically harmed if they try to leave. Being trafficked for sex is a global problem and can happen to anyone, regardless of age, gender, or background. It is important to recognize the signs of sex trafficking and to report any suspected cases to the appropriate authorities.

Anyone can be vulnerable to sex trafficking, although certain groups are at higher risk. This includes individuals who are marginalized or disadvantaged due to factors such as poverty, lack of education, and lack of access to opportunities. It also includes individuals who have experienced trauma, such as sexual abuse or domestic violence, as well as those who are struggling with substance abuse or mental health issues. Additionally, certain populations may be particularly vulnerable to sex trafficking, such as undocumented immigrants, individuals who are homeless or living in shelters, and individuals who are involved in the child welfare or foster care systems. Sex traffickers often target individuals who are vulnerable and may be less likely to report the abuse or seek help.

If you or someone you know is a victim, there are several steps you can take to get help. The first and most important step is to reach out for support from trusted friends, family members, or professionals who can provide assistance and guidance. This may include contacting a hotline or crisis center that specializes in assisting victims, or reaching out to law enforcement for help. It is also important to seek medical care and support for any physical or psychological trauma that you may have experienced as a result of the trafficking. You can also contact organizations that specialize in providing services to victims of sex trafficking, such as victim advocacy groups, legal organizations, and social service agencies. These organizations can provide you with information, support, and assistance as you navigate the process of recovery.

Texas and Louisiana’s First Spouses’ Global Human Trafficking Summit – 10.14.21
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Texas and Louisiana’s First Spouses’ Global Human Trafficking Summit – 10.14.21

First Lady of Texas Cecilia Abbott and First Lady of Louisiana Donna Edwards have partnered in the past year to educate other first spouses along with key stakeholders across the country on anti-human trafficking efforts and resources they can bring back to their own states. The latest educational summit in October 2021 was hosted by the Texas Governor’s Child Sex Trafficking…

Tarrant County 5 Stones November 2023 Meeting
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Tarrant County 5 Stones November 2023 Meeting

Here is our recorded meeting link and chat notes for our November 2023 TC 5 Stones meeting! Our 5 Stones meeting this November consisted of some law enforcement updates, a year-end review, and an awards presentation celebrating some of our amazing community influencers. Link to the recorded meeting: The chat log is how our online audience is able to introduce…

NEW REPORT: El Paso County ranks third in human trafficking charges
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NEW REPORT: El Paso County ranks third in human trafficking charges

(EL PASO COUNTY, Colo.) —The Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking (LCHT) recently published their 2023 The Colorado Project Report on human trafficking throughout the state of Colorado. In their report findings, El Paso County ranked third in human trafficking case charges in the state, falling behind Adams County and Arapahoe County. “We conduct this every…

‘Paradigm shift’: Law enforcement shifts approach to human trafficking victims
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‘Paradigm shift’: Law enforcement shifts approach to human trafficking victims

Law enforcement agencies are rethinking the way officers treat victims of human trafficking, and more changes are needed, a retired Missouri state trooper said Thursday in Longview. Daniel Nash, co-founder of the Human Trafficking Training Center, was one of several speakers at the “Too Close to Home: Uniting Against Human Trafficking” seminar at Maude Cobb…

Report: Increased Homeless Population More Vulnerable to Human Trafficking
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Report: Increased Homeless Population More Vulnerable to Human Trafficking

Homelessness can expose people to all kinds of challenges: violence, disease, the freezing cold. Now a Colorado Project report by the Laboratory to Combat Human Trafficking has added a new danger for those living on the streets of Denver: forced labor and sex trafficking. “Housing instability and homelessness is a top challenge,” says AnnJanette Alejano-Steele,…

AG Kaul announces additional $2M grant for anti-human trafficking task force
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AG Kaul announces additional $2M grant for anti-human trafficking task force

MADISON, Wis. (WSAW) – Attorney General Josh Kaul has announced the efforts of the Wisconsin Anti-Human Trafficking Task Force will continue for another three years with a newly awarded $2 million grant from the U.S. DOJ for Victims of Crime. WAHTTF is a statewide multidisciplinary task force comprised of federal, state, and tribal law enforcement…

“It’s not just women”: Amber Crotty shares truths of missing people
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“It’s not just women”: Amber Crotty shares truths of missing people

FLAGSTAFF, Ariz. — Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women (MMIW) is the phrase that is frequently used when people talk about the epidemic of missing Indigenous peoples, but Navajo Nation Council Delegate Amber Kanazbah Crotty said that on the Navajo Nation the statistics actually point to a larger number of missing and murdered men than women….

Washington is failing to aid child sex-trafficking victims
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Washington is failing to aid child sex-trafficking victims

Safe Harbor’s rocky start in Washington exposes a key question that state actors are still struggling to answer: “If we’re not arresting kids, great — but then what?” Benke said. ‘These are victims’ In the mid-1990s, Benke was 16 and homeless in Seattle. One day, as she broke down sobbing on the street, she remembers…

Tarrant County 5 Stones September 2023 Meeting
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Tarrant County 5 Stones September 2023 Meeting

Here is our recorded meeting link and chat notes for our September 2023 TC 5 Stones meeting! Our 5 Stones meeting this September consisted of some law enforcement updates and a presentation by Carrie Grace, Executive Director of Freedom Shield Foundation, as she discussed the importance of self-care and avoiding burnout as service providers. Link to the recorded meeting: https://youtu.be/5OzWyCSuUHw…