January is Human Trafficking Awareness Month

  • Published
  • By Susan Alexander
  • 45th Space Wing Violence Prevention Office

WHAT IS HUMAN TRAFFICKING?

A form of modern-day slavery in which traffickers use force, fraud, or coercion to exploit/control victims for the purpose of engaging in commercial sex acts or labor services against his or her will.

Traffickers

Lure people by promising a high-paying job, a loving relationship, or new and exciting opportunities.  In other cases, they may kidnap victims or use physical violence or substance abuse to control them. They can be:

  • Male or female
  • Family members
  • Intimate partners
  • Strangers
  • Acquaintances

Victims

Globally - men, women, boys, and girls are victims. Approximately 21 million are in forced labor and 12.3 million are in sex trafficking.

In the United States, approximately 70% of female victims are in sex trafficking and 30% are in labor.

The average age of an American child entering the sex trade is 11-15 (U.S. DOJ). 

Why Does Human Trafficking Exist?

Human trafficking is a market-driven criminal industry that is based on supply and demand.  It is fueled by a demand for cheap labor, services, and commercial sex.

It is the fastest growing criminal enterprise in the world—Low Risk/High Profit.  It is a multi-billion dollar industry!

As such, communities can help reduce/stop human trafficking by:
Not participating in the commercial sex or labor industry
Buying fair trade and survivor-made products and holding your favorite brands accountable for fair labors practices (humantraffickinghotline.org)

If you suspect Human Trafficking

Contact:

Law Enforcement
Inspector General 1-800-424-9098
Florida Abuse Hotline 1-800-962-2873
The National Human Trafficking Resource Center 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP or INFO to BeFree (233733)

Call 911 if you or someone you know is in immediate danger.