What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is the business of stealing freedom for profit. It is one of the most devastating injustices of our time—a multi-billion-dollar criminal industry that exploits an estimated 24.9 million people worldwide. Traffickers deceive, defraud, or physically force their victims into situations where they are denied basic human rights and dignity. Some are coerced into the commercial s*x trade, while others are manipulated into inhumane and illegal labor conditions. In every case, it is a crime built on exploitation, control, and greed.
At its core, human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel individuals into involuntary labor or s*xual servitude. It is also the fastest-growing criminal enterprise in the world, fueled by the grim reality that people can be sold repeatedly—making them more profitable to criminals than drugs or weapons.
When it comes to minors, the law is clear: no proof of force, fraud, or coercion is required in cases of juvenile s*x trafficking. The psychological grooming that often occurs—through manipulation, emotional abuse, and false promises—renders children especially vulnerable. The internet has magnified this danger, giving traffickers unprecedented access to young people through gaming platforms, social media, and messaging apps. Predators use tactics such as “boyfriending,” pretending to offer affection and understanding to build false trust with youth who are seeking love, acceptance, or belonging.
Human trafficking thrives in secrecy and deception, but awareness is a powerful first step toward breaking the cycle. By understanding how traffickers operate, we can better protect vulnerable individuals and work together to restore freedom and hope to those who have been exploited.
