Human Trafficking

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act. Every year, millions of people are trafficked worldwide&nd ...

Scope of the Problem

In general terms, human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud or coercion of an individual to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act (Blue Campaign). Human traffic ...

Prevalence and Dynamics

A few key points: It is estimated there are many millions of human trafficking victims worldwide. Women and girls are disproportionately affected (International Labor Organizati ...

How is Human Trafficking Defined under U.S. Federal Law?

According to federal law, human trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of someone, for the purpose of compelled labor or a commercial sex act, through the use of force, ...

Barriers to Escaping Trafficking and Getting Help

Victims face significant challenges in escaping trafficking, seeking help and accessing services. Some examples of barriers they face (which their traffickers typically leverage to ...

Initial Response to Human Trafficking Victims

It is essential that all responders in human trafficking cases employ a victim-centered, trauma-informed approach. See the website section on approach to victims. Indicators of Hu ...

Criminal Justice Cases

Who is Involved? The following professionals and agencies might be involved in the criminal justice response to human trafficking, if it is reported to law enforcement (OVC/BJA, 2 ...

Additional External Resources

What is Human Trafficking? (4.21 minute video) & Infographic (Blue Campaign) U.S. Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons Report June 2018 (TIP report) United Na ...

References

Banks, D. & Kyckelhaln, T. (2011). Characteristics of suspected human trafficking incidents, 2008-2010. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Justice, Bureau of Justice Statistics ...