There are so many ways in which young victims are enticed to sex trafficking, pimps posing as

Sex trafficking, particularly that of children, has become a growing concern in the United States over the past several decades (Kotrla, 2010). By definition, child sex trafficking is “when a child (under 18 years of age) is induced to perform a commercial sex act” (U.S., 2013, para. 4), and includes forms such as prostitution and pornography (Kotrla, 2010). Researchers suggest that children are the most vulnerable to becoming victims of prostitution (Kotrla), and it is estimated that there are at least 100,000 victims in the United States (Estes & Weiner, 2001). Sex traffickers, otherwise known as “pimps,” often lure children with promises of food, clothing, love, and shelter, and then the pimps manipulate the children to keep them in prostitution (U.S. Department of Justice [DOJ], 2015). Awareness of the issue has led to the development of organizations, such as Children of the Night, that seek to help victims escape the sex trafficking industry (Children of the Night [COTN], 2016d).

Children within the United States who are being trafficked are part of what is called, domestic minor sex trafficking. These adolescents are citizens who have been forced, coerced, or misled to become a part of the commercial sex industry. Some of the most common ways to force minors into trafficking is through exotic dancing also known as stripping, brothels, porn, escorting, and massage services just to name a few (Minor Domestic Sex Trafficking). It is disturbing to know that there are children who are going through this. In order to create prevention and intervention programs for trafficking, it is important to understand what a sex trafficker is and the strategies they use to recruit children.

Globally, about 20 to 30 million people are involved in the human trafficking system, and of those, 14,500 to 17,500 people are trafficked in the United States every year. Human trafficking is more prevalent today then ever before. It is the third largest crime internationally. People are abused and taken advantage of. According to the article, “11 Facts About Human Trafficking,” on average, a person is forced into the system around age 9, and the majority of victims are women and girls, with a small percentage of men and boys. In addition, the human trafficking system is a $32 billion dollar industry. Human trafficking can be defined as the selling and trade of human beings, ranging anywhere from children to adults, for the purpose of

“43% of victims are used for forced commercial sexual exploitation, of whom 98% are women and girls” (UNGIFT). Women and girls are ensnared in sex trafficking in a variety of ways. Some are lured in with offers of real and legal work in restaurants, massage parlors, or anything else. Others are promised marriage, education and a better life. Still others are sold into trafficking by boyfriends, friends, neighbors or even parents (SOROPTMIST). Many of the girls and women are also forced into pornography. With all of the types of sexual exploitation comes abuse. Sexual, physical, and emotional are all types of abuse put onto females in human trafficking. Many people traffic others in hopes of getting money, work done, or just pure pleasure.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice human trafficking is one of the fastest growing criminal industries, with 14,500-17,500

Sex trafficking is becoming more and more of a problem as time moves on. Sex trafficking is the recruitment, harbouring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act, in which the commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion [Internet Safety 101]. Sex trafficking is increasing due to the evolution of modern day social services and sources. From safety sources, it is the 2nd fastest growing criminal industry [Internet Safety 101]. More and more sex trafficking is coming about due to the evolution of the internet and the improved ability of gps tracking. Through internet, social media also causes many problems for ability to find people and try to be their friend, it is providing

The main reason thousands of women are forced or have to enter into sexual slavery and prostitution is because of poverty. According to the VTVPA, sex trafficking “means the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act" (p. 8) and that a commercial sex act is "any sex act on account of which anything of value is given to or received by any person" (p. 7). It is critical to understand that this includes the "pimping" or "prostituting" of

Every year, hundreds of girls are taken advantage of and sold into prostitution. Sexual predators, especially in America, prey upon girls who are on the streets alone (usually due to problems at home). One such target was thirteen year old Salina, who lived in Las Vegas with her mother when personal distress caused her to run away from home. While detached from her family, Salina was picked up by a couple who forced her into sex work. It was clear that if she did not obey, went back home, or kept any of the money she earned, she would be beaten and possibly killed. But she was not held in a brothel or forced to walk the streets; no, this method is used by millions of people on a daily basis- the internet.

Raising awareness of child sex trafficking is extremely important if a change is going to be made. Most think human trafficking is humans being brought in from other countries and forced to do labor, or sex trade against their will, but even on US soil adults and children can be targeted. One way to raise awareness is to understand signs and identify victims. In a recent article written by nurse practitioner Janet Selway said that “particularly those working with children in school, health, other settings, we may have encounter young victims yet be completely unaware of their situation”(258) The US Department of Education Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools(OFDFS), says trafficking can include school-age children, particularly those who are not living with their parents. The OFDFS has a list of signs that a victim may exhibit, while many of the signs of sex trafficking are similar to signs of abused children. Some additional signs can be that a child suddenly acquires expensive items, has an older boyfriend, and uses the terminology of the sex industry beyond age specific norms. It is extremely important that communities educate the public on this list of signs. If the public is more knowledgeable and aware of what to look for, then they can succeed in the prevention of child sex trafficking. Janet Selway emphasized that “All human trafficking is horrific, but the concept of defenseless children being sold

People of any age are vulnerable to become a victim of sex trafficking, although, the most vulnerable populations are the women and girls that traffickers know will need money the most or that will not be missed if they disappear, or families will not make a scene if they leave. While defining characteristics of certain vulnerable populations is nearly impossible, traffickers go after plenty of young ladies who are living in unsafe living conditions, who are looking for better ways to live, or girls who are runaways and have nowhere else to go for safety. They trap these victims by deceiving them that they are going to a better loving place and falsely promise them money and happiness, when in fact it can only lead to years of cruel torture.

What would you guess is the world’s fastest growing criminal act? Illegal arms? Drugs? Congraduations! You would be wrong. The fastest growing criminal act just happens to be human trafficking or in more blunt terms, slavery (“25 painfully”).Human trafficking is a large ongoing problem , not just in other countries but right here in the United States; human trafficking violates human rights and we all need to do our part in leading our country out of this plague.

There are multiple strategies that have been incorporated to prevent child sex trafficking. These days technology play a huge role in nearly everything, including the sex trafficking of children. Past research suggests child sex traffickers are utilizing more technological tools to traffic children, as well as that technology plays a particularly important role in the recruitment and the linking of buyers to victims; therefore prevention efforts have been aimed towards technology (Leary, 2014, p. 289). Things such as prevention messaging regarding child sex trafficking must be aimed at children, guardians, and bystanders alike (Leary, 2014, p. 289). Child sex trafficking prevention messaging should be expanded to include

Slavery is a modern, pervasive problem. Human trafficking has been found in every state in America (humantrafficking.org). It seems that most Americans likely live within a comfortable drive of someone who is being exploited through human trafficking. There is a growing trend in human trafficking toward sexual exploitation (Bennetts, 2011). The Information Age has helped to create new opportunities for sex trafficking to flourish.

The commercial sexual exploitation of humans is the fastest growing international crime, earning an estimated 100 billion dollars a year. About 276 women and children are trafficked daily into sexual slavery; unfortunately less than one percent of these victims will ever be rescued or participate in any kind of judicial process. According to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children, one in six endangered runaways are sex trafficking victims. Children involved in child prostitution are often required to work with law enforcement in the arrest and prosecution of their pimp or trafficker in order to avoid jail time. Frequently the child victims are required to call the abuser and get them to admit that they will use the child for sexual acts in the presence of law enforcement for a successful arrest and prosecution. This process can be very damaging to the child if not handled correctly. In a certain account a young woman that was required to make such a call, was told by her abuser “You’re a hoe, you’re a hope to die hoe, and you’re always going to be a hoe. Even your dad knew you were a hoe and that is why he sexually abused you when you were five.” Child prostitution begins at home; most children that become prostitutes in the United States are often sexually abused by their first caregivers. Often the child whom suffered the abuse demeans and pushes away individuals who try to help, believing they aren’t worth helping. The image below demonstrates symbols

Second to illegal drug trafficking, human trafficking is one of the fastest growing and profitable illegitimate industries earning an estimated forty- three billion