What Are the Odds of Being Sex Trafficked?

Because the sex trafficking trade relies on constant international travel, it can be difficult to find reliable statistics on the odds of becoming a victim of the crime. The National Human Trafficking Hotline reports that there were nearly 6,000 calls regarding sex trafficking made in 2023. However, the International Labour Organization estimates there to be around 28 million people in some form of forced labor worldwide – including sex work.

These cases are notoriously underreported, and so the actual number is likely much higher.

What Is Sex Trafficking?

Sex trafficking is the crime of forcing a person into sex work. In many cases, a person may be tricked into being trafficked through an offer of employment, often in a foreign country or another state.

When isolated from their community, the person is forced to perform sexual acts in exchange for basic needs such as food or shelter. Undocumented immigrants are often preyed upon because they are unfamiliar with the country they reside in and have an understandable fear of law enforcement and being deported.

Another common way that a person may be forced into sex slavery is through emotional manipulation from a trusted person, such as a friend, teacher, clergy member, or romantic partner. The perpetrator of the crime may attempt to withhold finances or emotionally abuse them into performing sexual acts with other people. They may even be forced to take drugs to increase their dependence on the perpetrator.

Examples of Sex Trafficking in the Media

One of the most recent and egregious examples of sex trafficking to be uncovered in the last several years was perpetrated by Jeffery Epstein, his partner, Ghislaine Maxwell, and numerous alleged accomplices. For over a decade, Epstein transported minors to his private estate in the Virgin Islands where he would force them to perform sexual acts on himself and his guests.

Around this time, several criminal and civil charges were also brought against rapper R. Kelly for sex trafficking minors and using his connections within the music industry to intimidate survivors to avoid being brought to justice. These tactics are strikingly similar to the methods allegedly employed by P. Diddy according to the criminal and civil charges he now faces.

How the Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act Helps Families

The Preventing Sex Trafficking and Strengthening Families Act (PSTSFA) was signed into law in 2014 and works to improve the protocol that agencies such as child welfare agencies, law enforcement, and other organizations are legally required to follow. This includes data recording methods and reporting requirements, and most importantly, cooperation between federal agencies assigned to preventing and assisting child survivors of sex trafficking. It also included sections that improved the living conditions for foster children.

The passing of the PSTSFA marked a major improvement in the lives of survivors of sex trafficking and their families and has likely decreased the likelihood of sex trafficking occurring.

Is Human Trafficking the Same as Sex Trafficking?

Sex trafficking is a type of human trafficking. Human trafficking is the forcible transportation or employment of a person in a variety of roles. When a person becomes a victim of human trafficking, they could be forced to work on a farm or in construction, clean someone’s home, or, in the case of sex trafficking, perform sexual acts against their will.

How Can You Prevent Sex Trafficking from Happening?

Parents can create an open and honest environment for their children to come forward if they believe they or someone they know may be a victim of sex trafficking. Explain the risks to your children and potential signs to be aware of regarding sexual abuse and sex trafficking, and teach them how to avoid common tactics used by sex traffickers such as online predatory behavior and inappropriate touching.

Widespread awareness and communication on sex trafficking is just as important for children and their parents as it is for adults. Even though it can be a difficult conversation to have, it’s important to talk to other members of your community about sex trafficking and contact law enforcement if you believe that sex trafficking might be happening where you live.

Questions to Ask if You Believe Someone Is Being Sex Trafficked

It can be hard to detect the signs of sex trafficking. In some cases, the crime may be occurring in front of you but in others, you may have a suspicion that something is not right. If you believe someone is being forced to be somewhere or do something against their will, there are measures you can take to gain information and get them to safety.

One way is to ask them questions such as:

• • “Where do you live?”

• • “Are you allowed to come and go?”

• • “Who do you live with?”

• • “What do you do for work?”

• • “How much do you get paid?”

• • “Do you like your boss?”

If, from their responses, you get the impression that something isn’t right, document as much of the situation as you can, including taking pictures of your surroundings and taking down the person’s personal information. From there, you can contact law enforcement by dialing 911 or the National Human Trafficking Hotline.

How to Help Someone Who May Be Involved in Sex Trafficking

While filing an official report can certainly stop sex trafficking from occurring in your community, there are other ways you can help survivors. Simply providing an ear to listen can make a huge difference in the lives of survivors. If you suspect that someone you know is a survivor, offer them a safe and judgment-free space to share their experiences and provide them with resources like therapy or legal services that can help them find the strength to pursue justice against their abuser.

If the cost of these services is a concern, StrongerThan can help connect survivors of sexual abuse and sex trafficking with low-cost or free medical, mental health, and legal services to help you move forward. You can contact us through our online form or by calling us anytime.