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.

If you suspect human trafficking — report it immediately!

• For any emergencies or immediate assistance, call 911.
• Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office Human Trafficking Unit: 817-321-5920 or humantrafficking@tarrantcountytx.gov
• Crime Stoppers of Tarrant County: 817-469-TIPS (8477)
• National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP to 233733 (BEFREE)

You do not have to participate in a human trafficking investigation to be eligible for services.

Explore these organizations and trusted resources to understand how human trafficking affects our community and how you can take action.

• Unbound Now — A local Fort Worth faith-based movement providing prevention education, survivor support, and professional training to end human trafficking and empower the vulnerable. 
  • What is Human Trafficking?
  • Human Trafficking 101
• The Net — A Fort Worth–based nonprofit building relationships with survivors of sex trafficking and the homeless through mentorship, advocacy, and community engagement.  
  • A Closer Look at Trafficking (Animation)
  • Sex Trafficking 101
• 5 Stones Taskforce — A Tarrant County community network collaborating to end sex trafficking locally.
• Set Free Movement — Global network focused on ending modern slavery and creating communities of hope.
• Shared Hope International — A global organization dedicated to preventing sex trafficking, restoring survivors, and bringing justice through research, training, and legislative advocacy. 
  • Social Media Safety 101: Recognizing and Fighting Online Sex Trafficking
• Polaris — National organization combating human trafficking through data, survivor support, and systemic change.
• A21 – Can You See Me? — Learn to recognize warning signs and report trafficking.
• Office for Victims of Crime — Federal resources supporting victims and service providers.
• Texas Attorney General’s Office – Human Trafficking Division
• Texas Human Trafficking Prevention Task Force Publications
• 2022 Federal Human Trafficking Report
• ICAC Task Force — Learn about internet-facilitated crimes against children.

You can also contact our team for information and resources pertaining to human trafficking and how you can help: chainbreakers@lfwired.org

Help protect your children and teens from online exploitation and trafficking.

• Unbound Now – North Texas 24/7 Crisis & Referral Line — 817-668-6462
• The Net – Online Safety Resources
• Set Free Movement – Social Media Safety Resources
• Shared Hope – Social Media Education
• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children — 1-800-843-5678
• National Runaway Safeline — 1-800-RUNAWAY
• Parental guide for talking about human trafficking with your kids — View & Download Here
• Parental guide for safety regarding technology use by kids and youth, with suggestions for different age groups — View & Download Here

Stay informed on how organizations, law enforcement, and faith communities are working together to combat human trafficking and support survivors.

• Fort Worth-Based Fund Raises $18 Million to Fight Human Trafficking with Tech — A new initiative harnessing technology and innovation to disrupt trafficking networks and expand survivor support.
• Tarrant Law Enforcement Joins Forces with Advocates and Faith Groups to Fight Human Trafficking — Collaborative efforts across North Texas are strengthening prevention and rescue operations.
• Operation Soteria Shield: 109 Children Rescued, 244 Arrested in North Texas — A multi-agency sting operation exposes widespread child exploitation and brings hope to survivors.

Check back regularly for new stories and updates highlighting progress, partnerships, and real impact in the fight against trafficking!

If you are in danger, need resources, or suspect trafficking, there is help available 24/7.

• National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP to 233733 (BEFREE)
• Unbound Now North Texas 24/7 Crisis Line: 817-668-6462
  
• Tarrant County Sheriff’s Office Human Trafficking Unit: 817-321-5920 or humantrafficking@tarrantcountytx.gov
• Crime Stoppers of Tarrant County: 817-469-TIPS (8477)
  
• National Runaway Safeline: 1-800-RUNAWAY
• National Center for Missing & Exploited Children: 1-800-843-5678

You are not alone. Help is available whether or not you choose to participate in an investigation.

Join the fight against human trafficking by supporting local and global initiatives, and consider directly volunteering with these amazing organizations in our joint mission!

• Volunteer Opportunities:
  • The Net
  • Unbound Now
  • Set Free Movement
    
  • Shared Hope International
    
• Support Survivors: The Worthy Co. — Shop products made by and benefitting trafficking survivors.
• Give: Donate through Lighthouse Fellowship’s giving page and designate your gift to “Chain Breakers.” You can click here or use the button in the section below.
• Get Involved: Interested in joining the Lighthouse Chain Breakers team? Email chainbreakers@lfwired.org or fill out the form at the bottom of this webpage.