Human Trafficking is Modern-Day Slavery

Human trafficking is modern-day slavery and involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain some type of labor or commercial sex act.

It is the illegal trade of human beings. People every day all over the world are being forced into prostitution, barbaric working conditions, and bound from freedom. It is violent. It is physically, emotionally, and spiritually abusive. It is slavery.

It is real, and there are more slaves today than ever in history.

There Are Many Ways Children Are Sold:

• Children as young as a few months old are sold into sex slavery.
• A virgin is worth $5,000 – $10,000 for their first sale.
• Out of 20.9 million that are estimated to be trafficked, 26% involve children.

If you suspect that someone is being trafficked, say something. You can look for clues that may identify a trafficking victim by knowing the warning signs:

• Signs of physical abuse such as burn marks, bruises, or cuts
• Unexplained absences from school, truancy
• Less appropriately dressed than before
• Sexualized behavior
• Overly tired or falls asleep in class
• Withdrawn, depressed, or distracted
• Brags about making or having lots of money
• Displays expensive clothes, accessories, or shoes
• New tattoo (tattoos are often used by pimps as a way to brand victims.)
• Older boyfriend, new friends with a different lifestyle, or gang involvement
• Disjointed family connections, running away, living with friends, or experiencing homelessness*