Did you know? Children who experience exploitation are at increased risk for physical injuries, sexually transmitted infections, mental health disorders, and long-term trauma. (Greenbaum et al., 2023).
Did you know? Child exploitation can have lifelong effects on a child's physical health, emotional well-being, and brain development if left unrecognized and untreated. (Greenbaum et al., 2023).
Did you know? Children who have experienced abuse, homelessness, neglect, or involvement in the foster care or juvenile justice systems are at greater risk of exploitation. (Greenbaum et al., 2023).
Did You Know?
Myths vs. Facts
Myth
Myth 1 : Victims are usually trafficked by strangers.
Myth 2: Sex trafficking only happens in large cities or other countries.
Myth 3: Sex trafficking always involves kidnapping or physical force.
Fact
Fact: Many victims know and trust their trafficker, who may be a family member, romantic partner, friend, or acquaintance (National Human Trafficking Hotline, n.d.).
Fact: Sex trafficking occurs in rural, suburban, and urban communities across the United States (Polaris, n.d.).
Fact: Most traffickers use manipulation, deception, threats, coercion, or grooming rather than kidnapping to control victims (National Human Trafficking Hotline, n.d.).