Stats and Resources

The Facts

IT'S MUCH MORE THAN KIDNAPPING.

Only 0.4% of victims in federal human trafficking prosecutions (2019–2023) were kidnapped by their trafficker, indicating that other methods of recruitment are much more common.³

MANY STARTED AS MINORS.

At least 80% of sex trafficking victims are female, and at least 40% of victims are minors at entry into exploitation.²

IT OFTEN STARTS WITH LOVED ONES.

Nearly all (95%) of victims were exploited by a loved one, with 46% of exploiters being a family member and 39% being an intimate partner.²

MOST WERE ABUSED AS A CHILD.

90% of women in the sex industry report childhood sexual abuse and/or incest.¹

THE TRAUMA CAN BE LONG-LASTING.

33% of women with a history of trafficking had an ACE score between 4-7, while nearly half, 48%, had a score of 8 or higher.⁴

RECRUITMENT OFTEN HAPPENS ONLINE.

66% of reported victims of sex trafficking in 2021 were recruited using the internet.²

MANY HAVE EXPERIENCED HOMELESSNESS.

75% of women caught in prostitution have been homeless at some point.¹

FLORIDA IS IN CRISIS.

Florida is 3rd highest for reported sex trafficking cases.²

POWER CAN BE ABUSED.

In 2023 federal human trafficking cases, 5.5% of defendants abused a position of public trust to traffic their victims, including law enforcement, teachers, a youth coach, and a former senator.³

Sources

Farley et al. (2004) Prostitution in 9 countries PDF
National Human Trafficking Hotline analysis of 2021 data PDF
2023 Federal Human Trafficking Report PDF
National Crittendon Foundation PDF

Understanding Sex Trafficking

Sex trafficking is a serious crime where individuals are forced, defrauded, or coerced into commercial sex acts.

METHODS OF CONTROL

Traffickers use violence, threats, lies, false promises, debt bondage, and other manipulative tactics to exploit victims for profit.

The Role of Supply and Demand

Sex trafficking relies on supply and demand principles. Buyers of commercial sex increase demand, providing traffickers with profit incentives.

Reducing Demand

Community members can help reduce sex trafficking by not purchasing sex or participating in the commercial sex industry. Recognizing the role of buyers in driving demand is crucial for combatting this crime.