Sex Trafficking Survivors
What is sex trafficking?
Sex trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery in which individuals perform commercial sex through the use of force, fraud, or coercion.
In the United States, sex trafficking is defined as “recruiting, harboring, transporting, providing, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of an individual through the means of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of commercial sex”. However, it is not necessary to demonstrate force, fraud, or coercion in sex trafficking cases involving children under the age of 18. The term “commercial sex act” is defined as “any sex act on account of which anything of value is given to or received by any person”.
Who can be trafficked?
Victims of sex trafficking can be any age, gender identity, and race. Vulnerable populations are frequently targeted by traffickers, including runaway and homeless youth, as well as victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, war, or social discrimination.
Minors under the age of 18 engaging in commercial sex are considered to be victims of human trafficking, regardless of the use of force, fraud, or coercion.
Where does trafficking happen?
Sex trafficking occurs in a range of venues including fake massage businesses, via online ads or escort services, in residential brothels, on the street or at truck stops, or at hotels and motels.
Statistics
In 2017, 6,081 Sex Trafficking Cases were reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
One in seven runaway children in 2017 were likely victims of child sex trafficking
Resources
Central Coast Freedom Network (785) 251-3733
National Human Trafficking Hotline 1 (888) 373-7888
