Let us teach you how to recognize and avoid abuse before it happens

What is human trafficking? Ten Questions and Answers.

We answer this question from many angles, below, and try to stay away from exploitative pictures or language. Please be aware of your limits as you read and step away if needed.

Human trafficking shows up in various forms worldwide. It is legally split into two main types: first, there's the terrible practice where people are pushed into situations like being sold for sex (sex trafficking), and second, there's the type where they're forced into hard labor against their will (labor trafficking).

Learning about human trafficking trains you to spot vulnerabilities and prepares you to take action if you suspect someone needs help.

#1 What is human trafficking?

Human trafficking is a criminal activity where people are forced to work or do sexual things against their will. It's really a big deal because it's a major crime and goes against the rights that all humans should have. It doesn't matter how old you are, what gender you are, or where you come from. It happens in different ways, like making people do sexual things they don't want to (sex trafficking) or making them work incredibly hard (labor trafficking).

One easy way to remember the definition of human trafficking? The AMP Model.

The AMP Model Requirements of the Trafficking Victims Protection Act (TVPA)

The Trafficking Victims Protection Act is the US law that defines human trafficking. It says human trafficking requires three things to be present: an ACTION, a MEANS, and a PURPOSE.

ACTION. The things physically done to control people's bodies. It includes things like finding, moving, holding, or taking people. (Note: kidnapping for trafficking is rare. Most people know their trafficker.)
MEANS. The methods used to control people. It could be through threats, force, tricking them, making them afraid, or even giving money to the person who's in charge of them. When it comes to kids (minors) in the United States, we don't need to prove this part.
PURPOSE. Why they're doing it – to make (or in the case of labor trafficking, to not spend) money. This could involve making people do sexual things they don't want to or forcing them to work really hard.

#2 How prevalent is human trafficking?

It remains difficult to determine the full extent of modern-day slavery, as it often occurs in secret and is challenging to uncover. However, recent findings from the International Labour Organization (ILO) show just how widespread and profitable forced labor and human trafficking have become. According to the Global Estimates of Modern Slavery: Forced Labour and Forced Marriage report, an estimated 40.3 million people globally are victims of modern slavery. This figure includes around 25 million people in forced labor (labor trafficking) and 15.4 million people in forced marriages (often linked to sex trafficking).

In 2024, the ILO released a report highlighting that forced labor generates a staggering $236 billion in annual profits. This economic incentive contributes to the persistence and expansion of human trafficking across industries and borders. Despite affecting people of all ages, genders, and backgrounds, these crimes often remain hidden, making them difficult to address.

To combat this, we must continue raising awareness and strengthening our efforts to identify and prevent human trafficking. It is a global crisis, happening everywhere people live—without exception.

Click here to find more articles related to this question: "#2 How prevalent is human trafficking?"

#3 What are the main forms of human trafficking?

Human trafficking isn't just one thing – there are different ways bad people treat others unfairly. There are two main categories.

Sex trafficking. when they make someone do things like sex for money, like prostitution or being in dirty movies. It's a really awful form of using someone.
Labor trafficking. when they force someone to work really hard for them, like as a servant or on a farm. In essence, they are treated like they don't matter and they must do whatever they're told.

Click here to find more articles related to this question: "#3 What are the main forms of human trafficking?"

Click here to find more articles related to this question: “#3 What are the main forms of human trafficking?”

#4 Who are the victims?

A trafficker controls a victim and uses their body in a really bad way. In other words, someone could be making them work super hard or making them do things they don't want to do for sex.

Victims work in factories, farms, or homes. Some have their bodies sold for sex. They suffer pain physically, feel really scared, and have a tough time emotionally.

Victims may not communicate with their families and friends. In these cases, it's tough for them to get help.

The worst part is, victims can be anywhere. This experience is really awful for them, and it's important to give them help and care so they can break free from this terrible situation and start anew.

Click here to find more articles related to this question: “#4 Who are the victims of human trafficking?“

#5 What are the common signs?

We encourage you to think BEYOND a list. Think about these as weaknesses that someone can exploit. It is important to realize that the more weaknesses you have, the more careful you need to be with other people.

There are some things to watch out for that might show someone is being controlled by human traffickers.

No Control Over Documents. If they can't keep their own passport or ID card and someone else is in charge of them.
Physical or Sexual Hurt. If they have marks on their body like bruises or scars, it could mean they're being hurt physically or sexually.
Money Problems. If they don't have control over their money or can't explain where a lot of money comes from.
Unreasonable Work Hours. If they have to work really long hours without breaks or days off.
Cut Off from People. If they can't see their friends or family, or they can't move around freely.
Stuck in One Place. If they can't leave where they are or make their own choices.
Afraid of Police. If they're scared of the police or other people in charge.

These signs could mean someone is in trouble, and we should be aware and try to help if we can.

Click here to find more articles related to this question: "#5 What are the common signs of human trafficking?"

#6 How is human trafficking prosecuted?

Prosecution is the legal process of taking someone to court for breaking the law. This can happen if a person or a group does something wrong, and it can be either a criminal or a civil case.

In criminal cases, the government, like the district attorney's office, acts on behalf of the state or the country. Accordingly, they try to prove in court that the person accused of the crime is actually guilty. They do this by showing evidence and giving arguments to convince the judge or jury.

In case of civil cases, it might be an individual or a group seeking justice for something like damages.

To win a case, the side bringing the case (the prosecution) has to show that their side is more likely true than not. This is called "preponderance of the evidence."

Human trafficking is treated as a crime in different ways, depending on where it happened. For instance, in the United States, human trafficking is against the law both at the federal and state levels. These laws make it illegal to do things like forcing someone to work or have sex through force, trickery, or threats.

Click here to find more articles related to this question: “#6 How is human trafficking prosecuted?“

#7 How can I report a case of human trafficking?

If you think someone you know might be a victim, or if you are a victim, tell the authorities. Without reservation, you can use the contact information provided below. You can also get in touch with the local police or the FBI if you think a crime is happening right now or if you're in danger.

If you or someone you know needs help

Important Note: We want to let you know with care and concern that immediately calling your local police might not be the best step in all situations. For one thing, not all police departments have the training to handle these cases in a sensitive way that considers the trauma victims have gone through.

To ensure that the right kind of help is provided, we recommend reaching out to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888.373.7888. They will help locate local law enforcement who are trained to approach these situations with understanding and consideration for the victims' experiences. This way, the right help can be provided to those who need it most.

Other ways to get help are below.

U.S. Emergency - Dial 911 immediately

Call 911 immediately if you believe someone is in an emergency situation or if there is a child involved.

U.S. National Suicide Hotline - Dial 988 immediately

You can call them for additional information about suicide and before you are in immediate need. They are a great resource for anyone in crisis and can help educate you to help your friends and others that may be in crisis.

(U.S.) National Human Trafficking Hotline / National Human Trafficking Resource Center

If you're not completely sure whether someone is being trafficked, but you have a feeling that something might be wrong, it's a good idea to get in touch with the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 888.373.7888. You can also send a text to 233733 for help. Even if you're uncertain, they can help figure out if it's a case of trafficking or not.

Follow the instructions from staff. They may advise you to connect with local law enforcement.

U.S. Department of Labor, Wage + Hour Division

866.487.9243

U.S. Department of Labor OIG Hotline

202.693.6999 or 800.347.3756 or hotline@oig.dol.gov

U.S. Dept. of Justice Trafficking in Persons + Worker Exploitation Task Force Complaint Line

888.428.7581

Open 9:00am to 5:00pm (EST).

Equal Employment Opportunity Commission (EEOC)

800.669.4000

National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's CyberTipline

If you believe a child is involved in a trafficking situation, submit a tip through the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children's CyberTipline or call 1-800-THE-LOST. In brief, FBI personnel assigned to NCMEC review information that is provided to the CyberTipline.

In Texas - contact iWatchTX.org or 844.643.2251

If you have information for law enforcement regarding suspicious activity related to human trafficking in TEXAS, connect with the appropriate law enforcement agents at iWatchTX at iWatchTX.org or 844.643.2251.

#8 How can we prevent human trafficking?

Prevention is taking steps to make sure something doesn't happen or to stop it before it becomes a big problem. Good prevention tactics can stop crimes, avoid sickness, and prevent accidents.

When we talk about public health, prevention means doing things to keep bad things from happening in the first place.

Prevention can also involve taking steps to reduce the likelihood of dangers or risks. For example, installing smoke detectors in homes provides early alerts, minimizing potential fire damage. Abuse prevention education, likewise, allows persons to recognize the early warning signs and avoid abuse, including human trafficking.

Preventing human trafficking is a complex problem that requires more than one solution. These steps can make a difference and lower the prevalence of this crime:

Education. Teaching people about the risks and helping them recognize signs that they themselves, or someone they know, might be a victim.
Stronger Laws and Enforcement: Making sure laws are tough on traffickers and that law enforcement works hard to catch them and bring them to justice.
Support for Victims. Promoting organizations that offer help to people who have been trafficked, like safe places to stay, legal assistance, and counseling.
Addressing Vulnerability. Finding ways to tackle the reasons why some people are more likely to be targeted, like poverty, lack of education, and discrimination. Desperation of any kind, whether lack of food, shelter, or even love, makes a person a good candidate for a predator.
Raising Awareness. Spreading the word about human trafficking through public campaigns and news stories.

It is important for everyone, including individuals, communities, and governments, to take action to prevent human trafficking.

Click here to find more articles related to this question: “#8 How can we prevent human trafficking?”

#9 What is the impact on society?

Human trafficking is a really serious problem that has terrible effects on people and our whole society.

When people are trafficked, they suffer physically, mentally, and emotionally. They can get hurt, sick, and go through terrible things like abuse and neglect. Getting their lives back on track and finding help is incredibly difficult for them. It's very hard to trust anyone after you have been victimized, even if that person sincerely wants to help.

Human trafficking violates the basic rights every person should have. Above all, it's against the principles of fairness, dignity, and justice that make a society work properly.

Click here to find more articles related to this question: “#9 What is the impact of human trafficking on society?“

#10 What is the role of government in addressing human trafficking?

Government plays a really important role in fighting human trafficking. With this in mind, they can take several actions to make a positive impact:

Creating Laws and Protections. Write laws to make human trafficking a crime, give victims the help they need, and make sure these laws are followed.
Supporting Organizations. Non-profits, churches, and other organizations can provide money and help to groups that assist trafficking victims. This includes places to stay, legal help, and counseling.
Global Cooperation. Work with other countries and international groups to share information, work together, and make plans to fight trafficking.
Research and Data. Governments can support studies and collect information to understand how big the problem is and what's happening. This helps them make smart decisions.
Raising Awareness. Help people know about human trafficking through advertising, public service announcements, and community events.

All things considered, a government's job is to keep citizens safe, protect their rights, and take strong actions to stop human trafficking.

Click here to find more articles related to this question: “#10 What is the role of government in addressing human trafficking?“