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.

Ukraine and Russia War is a Human Trafficking Crisis
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Ukraine and Russia War is a Human Trafficking Crisis

This episode is the first in a three-part series that looks at the Ukraine and Russia conflict that is leading to millions being increasingly vulnerable to human trafficking.

UNODC Statement for the Co-facilitators’ Virtual Townhall With Stakeholders and UN Entities
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UNODC Statement for the Co-facilitators’ Virtual Townhall With Stakeholders and UN Entities

7 March 2022 Thank you, Ambassadors, and congratulations again your appointment as co-facilitators. On behalf of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, thank you for setting a clear plan for action for the coming months. As well as a member of the Network Executive Committee, UNODC is the guardian of the fundamental international…

Where Will The Children Go?
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Where Will The Children Go?

“The child refugee influx is greater than anyone imagined” War creates opportunities for human traffickers willing to exploit women and children for sex and labour. This is a humanitarian crisis. It should not be a human trafficking crisis. But in reality, it is a human trafficking crisis, because child refugees are vulnerable, very vulnerable. There…

ATEST Recommendations on Improving Racial Equity in Federal Anti-Trafficking Programs
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ATEST Recommendations on Improving Racial Equity in Federal Anti-Trafficking Programs

March 15, 2022 • 5:09 pm • Terry FitzPatrick  March 15, 2022 Dr. Kari Johnstone Acting Director Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons (J/TIP) U.S. Department of State Via email Re: Advancing Racial Equity and Support for Underserved Communities Through the Federal Government Docket Number: Public Notice: 11648 Dear Dr. Johnstone: Thank you…

Volunteering To Help Stop Child Sex Trafficking
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Volunteering To Help Stop Child Sex Trafficking

The fastest growing criminal industry in the world is the buying and selling of people [1]. There are a variety of reasons for this rapid increase: – There is fairly low risk as these cases are difficult to investigate and prosecute – This crime has taken to the internet allowing it to scale at an…

ATEST Recommendations for Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Implementation
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ATEST Recommendations for Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act Implementation

Re: Public Comments on Methods to Prevent the Importation of Goods Mined, Produced, or Manufactured with Forced Labor in the People’s Republic of China, Especially in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region, into the United States

Policy Responses to Child Sex Trafficking with Shared Hope International
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Policy Responses to Child Sex Trafficking with Shared Hope International

In the second episode of the second season of the Trafficking Matters Podcast, Douglass Fellows Natalie Assaad and Christy Salzman interview Sarah Bendtsen Diedhiou, the Director of State Legislative Advocacy and Christine Raino, Senior Director of Public Policy, at Shared Hope International. They talk about Shared Hope’s mission to improve state approaches to minor sex…

ATEST Urges Congress to Include Anti-Trafficking Programs in Ukraine Humanitarian Relief Legislation
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ATEST Urges Congress to Include Anti-Trafficking Programs in Ukraine Humanitarian Relief Legislation

Integration of anti-trafficking efforts into U.S. humanitarian response to Ukraine refugee crisis

Securing evidence: The key to convicting human traffickers
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Securing evidence: The key to convicting human traffickers

The plastic bracelets the women wore in a bar in Argentina indicated the number of men they had been forced to have sex with. In Thailand, men and children from Myanmar were exploited in the fishing industry: an electric shock device was used if they refused to work. And a Chinese symbol for “slave” was…

Motels, Trucking, Lawyers, and Human Trafficking
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Motels, Trucking, Lawyers, and Human Trafficking

Jacob Bryant, PR Coordinator at Lanier Law Firm, sent us over some resources. It got me thinking about how we might consider working together with legal groups. Here’s where it all started: “We have put together a guide about the connection between the trucking industry and human trafficking. We have included information about why human…