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.

Tim Ballard, who inspired ‘Sound of Freedom’ movie, responds to allegations of sexual misconduct
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Tim Ballard, who inspired ‘Sound of Freedom’ movie, responds to allegations of sexual misconduct

Tim Ballard, whose efforts to combat child sex trafficking were the basis for the surprise summer hit “Sound of Freedom,” reportedly stepped away from his watchdog organization in June after an internal investigation into sexual misconduct allegations brought by seven women, according to sources who spoke with Vice. Ballard, who was portrayed by Jim Caviezel…

Social media depictions of trafficking can cause harm
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Social media depictions of trafficking can cause harm

Editor’s note: we cover this situation in articles tagged with “human trafficking panic,” like this one: Social Media “Human Trafficking Panic” Posts. Get educated, not fooled. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (KELO) — You’ve likely seen the posts. A friend of a friend posts a screenshot of a post from another friend. In it is a fraught tale…

Anti-Sex Trafficking Hero a Guest Speaker at Tampa Fundraising Event
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Anti-Sex Trafficking Hero a Guest Speaker at Tampa Fundraising Event

Sarasota, Florida, Sept. 19, 2023 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Florida is the #3 state for sex trafficking, and coupled with the timing of this past summer’s release of the blockbuster action drama film, Sound of Freedom that outperformed big-budget features like Mission: Impossible at the domestic box offices, what better time to honor the inspiration behind the…

Lawyer who prosecuted first federal human trafficking case in Georgia to speak at free event
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Lawyer who prosecuted first federal human trafficking case in Georgia to speak at free event

Experts have said that Savannah has an acute sex trafficking problem. Compared to communities of similar size and population, Savannah is a target largely because of the ports, the I-95 corridor and the tourism industry, in addition to relatively close proximity to major sex trafficking hubs, such as Miami, Atlanta and Tampa. On Sept. 20,…

Transportation Subject to Multiple Threats by a Range of Actors, DHS Warns – HS Today
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Transportation Subject to Multiple Threats by a Range of Actors, DHS Warns – HS Today

The 2024 threat assessment from the Department of Homeland Security says domestic and foreign adversaries likely will continue to threaten the integrity of U.S. critical infrastructure—including the transportation sector—over the next year, in part because they perceive targeting these sectors would have cascading impacts on U.S. industries and the American way of life. “From attacks…

16 women graduate from CATCH Court, a criminal justice program for victims of human trafficking – Ohio Capital Journal
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16 women graduate from CATCH Court, a criminal justice program for victims of human trafficking – Ohio Capital Journal

Liyah Guilkey was able to leave prison to access CATCH Court, a specialized docket in the Franklin County Municipal Court for women in the system who are victims of human trafficking. “Every person that wrote you off as no good, who viewed you as a commodity and treated you as if you were disposable, made a…

Blackburn Center continues to expand Red Sand Project, drawing awareness to human trafficking
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Blackburn Center continues to expand Red Sand Project, drawing awareness to human trafficking

Sep. 18—Throughout September, Westmoreland County residents may have noticed red sand filling in the sidewalk cracks at prominent locations such as Independence Health System hospitals, the county courthouse, local libraries and Seton Hill University. A sign accompanying the bright red sand notes that it is part of the Red Sand Project, a nationwide initiative to…

Free Counter Sex Trafficking Resources for Law Enforcement – Guardian Group
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Free Counter Sex Trafficking Resources for Law Enforcement – Guardian Group

The UN recently did a study and found that 27.6 million victims of trafficking exist across the globe, yet governments across the country only identified 115,324 victims [1]. This is less than half of 1 percent of victims being identified. “Without effective victim identification, governments cannot hold traffickers accountable, and people of goodwill cannot offer tailored,…

JPMorgan alerted US government to $1bn Epstein transactions linked to ‘human trafficking’
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JPMorgan alerted US government to $1bn Epstein transactions linked to ‘human trafficking’

JPMorgan Chase notified the US Treasury Department of $1bn in transactions related to “human trafficking” made by Jeffrey Epstein after his death in 2019, a lawyer for the US Virgin Islands said at a recent court hearing. Attorney Mimi Liu told federal court judge Jed Rakoff that the Wall St giant informed the US Government…

Revealing the Horrific Truths About the Human Trafficking in Texas
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Revealing the Horrific Truths About the Human Trafficking in Texas

Founded in 2017, Abilene, Texas based Beyond Trafficking is a faith-based organization dedicated to raising awareness and educating Texans about human trafficking, as well as providing assistance to survivors through intensive care management. This care includes therapy services, counseling, crisis intervention, long-term and short-term housing, legal services, medical and dental care, clothing and hygiene provisions,…