What is Human Trafficking?

Human trafficking is when people are taken or tricked into doing things against their will, often through force or lies, to exploit them for profit. Traffickers might use violence or make false promises about jobs and education to lure their victims.

Every year, millions of men, women, and children are trafficked around the world, including in the United States. It can happen in any community, affecting people of all ages, races, genders, and nationalities.

This grave crime not only violates human rights but also threatens national security, weakens the rule of law, and damages the well-being of individuals and communities. Human trafficking is a crime of exploitation.

The statistics on human trafficking show a heartbreaking reality for many people. These stats highlight the severity of the issue and the urgent need for action. 

• The global human trafficking impacts nearly 28 million individuals.
• The global human trafficking industry, valued at over $150 billion.
• In 2021, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received 51,073 substantive reports nationwide.
• In 2021, U.S. attorneys received human trafficking referrals for 2,027 individuals.
• Almost 40% of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ+.
• Modern slavery and human trafficking generate over US $245 billion in illicit profits annually.
• In 2023, CyberTipline received over 35.9 million reports of suspected CSAM incidents.
• 6.3 million people are in situations of forced commercial sexual exploitation.