Human trafficking affects individuals, families, and communities across generations. Cases of human trafficking have been reported in all 50 states, the territories of the United States, and the District of Columbia.
There are two types of a severe form of trafficking in persons:
Labor Trafficking — Individuals are compelled to work or provide services through the use of force, fraud, or coercion.
Sex Trafficking — Individuals are compelled to engage in commercial sex through the use of force, fraud, or coercion. When a person under 18 years old is induced to perform a commercial sex act, it is a crime regardless of whether there is any force, fraud, or coercion.
Who is at risk?
Anyone can experience human trafficking. The following are examples of groups that may be at increased risk:
- Individuals who have experienced childhood abuse or neglect
- Children and youth involved in the foster care and juvenile justice systems
- People experiencing homelessness
- Individuals living in poverty
- Survivors of violence
Where does trafficking occur?
Trafficking can happen anywhere, from illicit markets to legal industries like hospitality, construction, agriculture, or domestic services.
Who are the traffickers?
Traffickers often have a position of trust — family members, peers, friends, romantic partners, employers, and job recruiters. Sometimes, they are strangers.
How to get help
The National Human Trafficking Hotline
connects individuals who have experienced human trafficking with critical support services that help them stay safe. People who have experienced trafficking, those who have concerns about someone they know, or those who believe they have witnessed a trafficking situation can communicate with a trained advocate for support, safety planning, crisis intervention, and urgent and non-urgent referrals.
Call 1-888-373-7888
Text 233733
Live chat humantraffickinghotline.org
Legal definition
The federal, legal definition of a severe form of human trafficking describes three facets of the crime: an action, a means, and a purpose (PDF). For example, if an individual is recruited by fraudulent means for the purpose of forced labor, that individual has experienced trafficking. Learn more about the federal law.