What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is the illegal trade of human beings for forced labor or commercial sex. It is a $150 billion-a-year global industry and one of the world's biggest markets. Human trafficking is the third-largest crime industry globally.
Anyone can be a victim of sex and labor trafficking. Minors cannot choose to be sold for sex. Anyone under age 18 is a victim. Children who are sex trafficked may also be forced to create child pornography.
World
After drug trafficking, human trafficking 2nd the largest criminal industry in the world today
Sex trafficking generates $32 billion a year. (stat found here)
800,000 people are trafficked each year.
Worldwide, women and girls make up 98% of sexually exploited victims.
United States
84% of victims in confirmed sex trafficking cases are identified as U.S. citizens.
There are an estimated 100,000 - 300,000 victims of human trafficking in the U.S.
The average age for a child to enter the sex trade in the U.S. is 12 to 14 years old.
California
California harbors 3 of the FBI’s 13 highest child sex trafficking areas in the nation: Los Angeles, San Francisco, and San Diego.
Approximately 40-60% of youth engaged in commercial sexual exploitation are engaged to meet their basic needs.
