What is human trafficking?
Human trafficking is modern-day slavery in which victims are subjected to force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of forced labor and/or sexual exploitation. Anyone under the age of 18 who is engaged in a commercial sex act is a sex trafficking victim. Anyone can be a victim: children, women, and men from any background.
What are some examples of human trafficking?
Prostitution, sex tourism, and pornography are often what come to mind when one thinks of human trafficking. But a person can also be a human trafficking victim if he or she is forced or coerced to engage in any type of labor, including, but not limited to:
How big of a problem is human trafficking?
- Servile marriage
- Domestic work (such as nannies, caretakers, and maids)
- Factory work
- Agriculture work
- Hotel and tourist industries work
- Food service
- Other service sectors
Reliable numbers are difficult to find. According to the international Labour Office, there are 20.9 million people who are being trafficked around the world. Of this amount, 55 percent are women and girls, 45 percent are men and boys. 74 percent are adults; 26 percent are children.
Human trafficking is not only a global phenomenon, but also a local one. According to the State Department, the United States is a source, transit, and destination country for human trafficking. Many women who are trafficked into the United States are from Asian and Pacific Islander countries. In addition, many adults and children who are in the United States legally (US citizens and legal permanent residents) are trafficked within the United States each year.
Unfortunately, human trafficking largely remains a hidden crime. In fact, a victim of trafficking may look like many of the people you see every day. My Sister's House strives to identify and empower victims, and prevent others from falling prey to this reprehensible practice.
Contact My Sister's House at (916)930-0626 or email@example.com if you would like more information about human trafficking. Please complete and return a Speaker Request Form to schedule a free presentation or training about human trafficking.