Unmasking the Misconception: Sex Trafficking in America

It's happening in our own backyards.

Sex trafficking is often perceived as a distant issue, something that happens "over there" in far-off countries. However, the grim reality is that it is a pervasive problem right here in the United States.

According to the U.S. Department of Justice, between 2008 and 2010, 83% of sex trafficking victims found within the U.S. were U.S. citizens (1). These figures underscore the fact that sex trafficking is not an isolated issue restricted to developing nations; it is a local problem, present in our own communities, neighborhoods, and often, in plain sight.

It is important to understand that sex trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery where individuals perform commercial sex through the use of force, fraud, or coercion (2). Under U.S. law, any minor under the age of 18 years induced into commercial sex is a victim of sex trafficking — regardless of whether the trafficker used force, fraud, or coercion (3).

The misconception that sex trafficking only happens in other parts of the world often stems from a lack of awareness and understanding. Many victims are vulnerable members of our society, including runaways, homeless youth, and victims of domestic violence, sexual assault, war, or social discrimination (4).

In the United States, domestic sex trafficking often involves U.S. citizens and lawful permanent residents being trafficked within the country (5). The National Human Trafficking Hotline reported 11,500 situations of human trafficking in the U.S. in 2019, with the majority being sex trafficking cases (6).

Sex trafficking is a complex and hidden crime, making it difficult to quantify the extent of the problem. However, the statistics we do have make it clear that it is a serious issue in the U.S. As we work to combat this issue, it is crucial to dispel the myths surrounding it, raise awareness, and take action to support victims in our own communities.

Remember, sex trafficking is not just an "over there" problem. It's a problem here at home, and it's everyone's responsibility to help end it.