1. Increasing Awareness and Prevention
Sex Trafficking
Increasing Awareness and Prevention

2. Definition: Sex Trafficking
Commercial sex act induced by force, fraud, or in which coercion or person induced to perform such act is not 18 years of age
May include forced:
Prostitution
Stripping
Pornography

3. Human Trafficking A child (or an adult) may be coerced into being a
nanny
maid
worker in a sweatshop
beggar
farm laborer
child soldier (in countries engaged in civil war)

4. The Numbers?
Reported sex trafficking cases in the U.S. since 2007: almost 15,000
Of missing and runaway youth: 1 In 6 likely sex trafficking victims
Millions spent in payment to the trafficker for children

5. Vulnerabilities These factors may make a young person more vulnerable:
Poverty
History of abuse, neglect
Loneliness or rejection
Addiction
Runaway or homelessness
Lack of adult supervision (physically or online)

6. Strategies of Traffickers
Force
Coercion
Physical assault
Threats to life, safety, family
Sexual assault, rape
Threats of deportation
Confinement or isolation
Withholding documents
Psychological manipulation
Blackmail
Fraud
Employment offers
False promises
From Love 146
Posing as friend or romantic partner

7. Risks for Youth Who are Trafficked
Unintended pregnancy
Sexual violence
Drug or alcohol addiction
Isolation, emotional distress
School dropout
Abuse, physical harm, torture
Sexually transmitted infections
Arrest and incarceration
Murder

8. How to Be Wary of Possible Intent to Traffick
Inappropriate attention from older partner
Gifts such as new clothes, new hairstyles, manicures/pedicures (“grooming”)
Partner insisting on secrecy (from parents and other adults)
Imbalance of control and power in relationship
Offers of alcohol or drugs

9. What to Do Avoid places that put you at risk, including online
If in a risky situation, try to get to a safe place
Form friendships with others your age
Recognize “grooming” behaviors
Tell a trusted adult of your suspicions
Seek assistance from a counselor, resource officer, or administrator

10. Sex Trafficking is Never the Fault of the Victim