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.

“Faces of human trafficking” video series from the Office of Victims of Crime at the U.S. Department of Justice
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“Faces of human trafficking” video series from the Office of Victims of Crime at the U.S. Department of Justice

The series is intended to be used for outreach and education efforts of service providers, law enforcement, prosecutors, and others in the community.

Health Care Providers Are Missing Signs of Human Trafficking / Modern Slavery
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Health Care Providers Are Missing Signs of Human Trafficking / Modern Slavery

“88% of nearly a hundred trafficking victims had contact with a health care provider at some point while being trafficked” Thousands of sex trafficking victims filter through the U.S. health care system each year. Words and Photos by Isabella Gomes This article appeared in print as “What Doctors Are Missing” in the Spring 2020 issue of Hopkins Bloomberg…

Dallas Man Pleads Guilty to Leading Violent Sex Trafficking Organization
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Dallas Man Pleads Guilty to Leading Violent Sex Trafficking Organization

A Dallas man who called himself “Macknificent” pleaded guilty today to human trafficking, announced U.S. Attorney for the Northern District of Texas Chad E. Meacham. Tremont Blakemore, 42, was first charged in September 2019. He pleaded guilty Wednesday to sex trafficking through force, fraud, and coercion before U.S. District Judge Ada Brown. “This defendant systematically…

Stories you may have missed: Sex Trafficking Victims Being Punished; Sex Trafficker Admits to Recruiting a 14-Year-Old Minor; Nationwide Sex Trafficking and Prostitution Enterprise Indictments
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Stories you may have missed: Sex Trafficking Victims Being Punished; Sex Trafficker Admits to Recruiting a 14-Year-Old Minor; Nationwide Sex Trafficking and Prostitution Enterprise Indictments

Defendant Instructed Enforcer: “If She Dares Fight Back, Beat Her More Viciously. Get Some Results from the Beating.”

ATEST Testifies to House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security on Ways to Plug Gaps in U.S. Anti-trafficking Programs
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ATEST Testifies to House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security on Ways to Plug Gaps in U.S. Anti-trafficking Programs

April 27, 2022 • 8:37 am • Terry FitzPatrick ATEST is was well represented at Wednesday’s herring of the House Judiciary Subcommittee on Crime, Terrorism and Homeland Security. Speakers at the session included: ATEST Director Terry FitzPatrick (see written testimony here) ATEST member organization Human Trafficking Legal Center Founder and President Martina Vandenberg (see written…

The Victim Cycle of Sex Trafficking
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The Victim Cycle of Sex Trafficking

How does someone become a victim of a trafficker? It is easy to assume type of crime will not happen to you or your young person, however, this type of predator is usually very smooth, and their intentions can be difficult to detect. There is a general cycle that each victim experiences within this crime…

Manchester Iowa Man Sentenced to 45 Years
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Manchester Iowa Man Sentenced to 45 Years

Click a link below to jump to a particular article or scroll down to read the whole blog post. Iowa Trafficker Sentenced to 45 Years Iowa Human Trafficking Summit: May 10th-11th Urgent Need to Pass Safe Harbor Bill 500 Organizations Join IBAT Ukrainian Refugees at Risk of being Trafficked Grassley Co-Sponsors legislation to Support Human…

ATEST Advocates for $1.3 Billion in Federal Funding to Combat Human Trafficking and its Root Causes
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ATEST Advocates for $1.3 Billion in Federal Funding to Combat Human Trafficking and its Root Causes

WASHINGTON – The Alliance to End Slavery and Trafficking (ATEST) is asking Congress for substantial increases in federal appropriations for Fiscal Year 2023 to combat human trafficking inside the U.S. and around the world.

The Truth About Human Trafficking in America
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The Truth About Human Trafficking in America

Though many Americans might not want to admit it—or perhaps they are simply unaware of it—human trafficking in America is not only a very real danger, but it is also a prominent one. It’s tough to accept, since there is a general mindset that this country has put its slavery problems behind it, but sadly,…