What is Sex Trafficking?

CSEC

Commercial sexual exploitation of children (CSEC), also referred to as child sex trafficking or domestic minor sex trafficking, is a severe form of child maltreatment defined as any sexual acts performed for an adult by a minor under the age of 18 in exchange for anything of socioeconomic value (Albanese, 2007).

Facts about sex trafficking

  • Sex trafficking can occur in any community.

  • Victims can be any age, race, gender, or socioeconomic status.

  • Many victims know or trust their trafficker before exploitation begins.

  • Traffickers often use manipulation, coercion, and psychological control rather than physical force.

Sources: (CDC, 2024; FBI, n.d.; National Academies of Sciences, Engineering, & Medicine, 2020; Reid, 2016; Zimmerman et al., 2011).

Know the Signs

Psychological Indicators

  • Mental Health Concerns: Depression, anxiety, PTSD, somatic complaints, and other mental health disorders.

  • Behavioral Changes: Oppositional, defiant, or aggressive behavior.

  • Emotional Distress: Withdrawn, fearful, anxious, or unusually submissive behavior.

  • Signs of Substance Misuse: Track marks, impaired speech or coordination, intoxication, or withdrawal symptoms.

Physical Indicators

  • Poor Nutrition and Health: Malnutrition, poor hygiene, weight loss, poor vision, and dental problems.

  • Sexual Health Concerns: STIs, HIV/AIDS, recurrent UTIs, chronic pelvic pain, and unintended pregnancy.

  • Signs of Physical Abuse: Unexplained bruises, burns, tattoos or branding, wrist scars, bruising around the face, neck, or upper arms, and ligature marks.

  • Ongoing Physical Complaints: Frequent headaches, stomach pain, fatigue, or other unexplained health problems.

Situational Indicators

  • Running Away or Truancy: Frequent runaway episodes, missing school, or involvement with CPS or juvenile justice.

  • Unsupervised Travel: Traveling alone or spending time in high-risk locations without a clear reason.

  • Signs of Control: Someone else speaks for them, monitors them, or won't let them answer questions alone.

  • Unexplained Resources: Having expensive items, large amounts of cash, or being unable to explain where they have been.

*Adapted from Clawson and Grace (2007), Hassain et al, (2010), Jimenez et al. (2015), Office of Refugee Resettlement (2012), and Varma et al. (2015).