What is sex trafficking?

Trafficking in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such an act has not attained 18 years of age. Trafficking Victims Protection Act  (TVPA) of 2000

Who are traffickers targeting? 

• Early exposure to violence

• Runaway Teens

• Individuals with special needs

• LGBTQ+ Individuals

• Problems in school

• Strong need for affection

If trafficking is everywhere, why can't I see it? 

• Victims of trafficking are hidden in plain sight. Traffickers isolate and intimidate their victims so they live in constant shame and fear. By keeping them constantly moving on a circuit, victims are kept disoriented and without a means to escape. 

• Victims of trafficking are frequently betrayed by people they know and trust and may feel deeply connected or even grateful to the captor. 83% of confirmed sex trafficking cases in the United States were US Citizens

• Most victims are not held in physical chains, yet physical and psychological abuse prevent them from running away or asking for help. Traffickers condition their victims through various methods of violence and manipulation to keep them mentally and emotionally enslaved. 

• It's extremely difficult for victims to come forward for help. Through psychological conditioning, most don't identify themselves as victims. Others believe there is no way out, as they have been completely stripped of their identity and worth. 

• Traffickers use many methods of threats and coercion to control victims. Forced drug use and threats against family and loved ones are common. This violence encourages victims to cooperate to avoid additional punishment. 

• Even if a victim appears to be alone, her trafficker is likely nearby watching her every move.  Controlling personal documentation, when she eats, sleeps and what she wears, the trafficker takes complete control over her life. 

Source: Generate Hope, an organization based in San Francisco fighting sex trafficking

How traffickers are luring people in

Traffickers are smart criminals, masters at manipulation.  They will use social media, chatrooms and phone apps to get to know their victims and break into their social groups.  They will spend a lot of time and effort gaining the trust of their potential victim but also their friends. 

At some point they will meet their victim face to face.  In the beginning they will charm them and make empty promises.  But a few short days later, they turn, using manipulation, violence and cruel tactics to keep victims from ever leaving.

How to Recognize the indicators

• Has a controlling older “boyfriend”

• Inability to speak to individual alone

• Response seems coached and rehearsed

• Has more than one phone

• Signs of abuse, hunger, sleep deprivation or drug addiction

• Bruises or injuries

• Name tattoos or branding marks

• Fake ID or hotel cards in possession

• Frequent travel to other cities or states