Human Trafficking Resources

Global Estimates of Modern Slavery

According to the International Labor Organization there are 27.6 million people in situations of forced labour on any given day, with 6.3 million in situations of forced commercial sexual exploitation.

The Typology of Modern Slavery

Polaris documented more than 32,000 cases of human trafficking between 2007 and 2016 through its operation of the National Human Trafficking Hotline — “The Typology Report” report identifies 25 industries in the United States where labor and sex trafficking thrive.

Fighting Human Trafficking

Runaway and homeless youth are especially vulnerable to trafficking. The National Covenant House National Study revealed that sixty-eight percent of the youth who had either been trafficked or engaged in survival sex, had done so while homeless. Nearly one in five of the 911 youth interviewed were victims of trafficking. 15% were sex trafficking victims, 7.4% for labor, and 3% for both.

Talk to a young person in your life today to share the warning signs of human trafficking!

Since California’s passage of SB 855 in 2014, 14,892 youth have been identified by Child Welfare Services for suspected exploitation and/or trafficking. Of these youth, 9,297 were the subject of one or more allegations of exploitation before the age of 18 years of age. Source CA Child Welfare Indicators Project, UC Berkeley

Report Child Sex Trafficking to the CyberTipline!

In 2020, there was a record 21.7 million reports of suspected child sexual exploitation made to the National Center for Exploited Children’s CyberTipline. Child sex trafficking can have devastating immediate and long-term consequences, including health impacts, psychological and physical trauma, and even death. Prevention and intervention are key to keeping children safer. Report ALL missing children, especially children who have run away, to NCMEC by calling 1-800-THE-LOST (1-800-843-5678).

Myth or Fact?

The most pervasive myth about human trafficking is that it often involves kidnapping or physically forcing someone into a situation. In reality, most traffickers use psychological means such as tricking, defrauding, manipulating, or threatening victims into providing commercial sex or exploitative labor. Learn more Human Trafficking Myth Busters at PolarisProject.Org

National Statistics

The most recent data analysis from the National Human Trafficking Hotline identified 10,583 cases of human trafficking. California had the highest number of reported cases 1,334 cases, 26% more than the next state (Texas). 1 in 5 of all incidents involved children and youth under the age of 18.

Recognizing Signs

Most survivors don’t self-identify or disclose their abuse because of fear, shame or loyalty to their abuser(s). Professionals, trusted adults, and even peers might be the first to recognize the signs.

PACT’s Child Labor Trafficking Mini-Desk Guide

Child labor trafficking has received comparatively little attention to sex trafficking. Yet, a 2016-2018 analysis of CA child trafficking cases reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline, identified that 13% to 17% of cases involved profiting off a child for their labor or services. The top industries included peddling and begging, domestic work and traveling sales crews.

Breaking Barriers: Improving Services for LGBTQ+ Human Trafficking Victims

Although anyone can be trafficked, LGBTQIA+ Youth are particularly vulnerable due to the absence of strong support networks, marginalization, and high rates of prior histories of violence.

YoungWorkers.org

Youth are often targeted by traffickers with fraudulent job opportunities that are too good to be true! Prevent labor trafficking by educating youth about their rights in the workplace.

BOYS Documentary

Boys and men are just as likely to be victims of human trafficking as girls and women, however, they are less likely to be identified and reported. A recent national study found that 36% of youth involved in the sex trade identified as cisgender males.

Stream the documentary BOYS (or host a community screening) featuring the voices of four brave men and a collection of allies who stand in solidarity as they share their experiences.

Office of Victims of Crime Training and Technical Assistance Center

“Before you address trauma, you have to address basic needs. If housing isn’t stabilized, if someone hasn’t eaten, or slept well for a long time, or has medical issues, they can’t focus on doing any deeper healing.” – Anonymous Survivor

2019 Survivor Advocate Program

When youth are forced to commit crimes on behalf of their trafficker they experience a form of child labor trafficking. These young people may have more in common with children in armed conflict zones than we realize. Learn more by watching a short clip from “Jimmy” who shares his experience of gang related trafficking and forced drug transport. *Triggering content advisory.

Monthly Webinars

Did you know that the amended Trafficking Victims Protection Act requires government officials to report suspicion of the trafficking of a foreign born minor to the Office on Trafficking in Persons (OTIP). Learn more by attending a Monthly Child Eligibility Webinar which provides an overview of reporting requirements and the local and federal benefits (including immigration assistance, housing support and more).

Introduction to the Harm Reduction Series Guidance

Harm Reduction is considered a best practice in supporting youth who have experienced exploitation. CDSS’s Child Trafficking Response shares in the Introduction to the Harm Reduction Series: “It is essential that practitioners create opportunities for choice and more importantly, opportunities to meet the totality of a youth’s needs, not just those that are met through the exploitive situation.”

Ethical Storytelling

Heard any good stories lately? Stories shape our culture and build community - and how we tell them matters. Does your team or partners need guidance? Check out resources (most are free!) at ethicalstorytelling.com. You’ll find podcasts, presentations, and more from this group of nonprofit practitioners.