Human trafficking is a crime involving the exploitation of a person for labor, services, or commercial sex through force, fraud, or coercion.

Human trafficking is a $150 billion dollar global industry. Human traffickers profit by exploiting victims for forced labor and commercial sex. This exploitation is driven by a business model that capitalizes on victim vulnerability and demand for cheap goods and services.

Sex trafficking, also called commercial sexual exploitation, can occur in brothels and illicit massage businesses, through escort services and street-based solicitation, and via online platforms where sexual content is advertised, shared, or livestreamed. Under U.S. law, minors cannot legally consent to commercial sex, therefore any minor engaged in commercial sex is automatically considered a victim of human trafficking.

Labor trafficking or forced labor involves exploiting individuals for work or services through force, fraud, or coercion. Labor trafficking most commonly occurs in sectors such as domestic work, agriculture, construction, food service, caregiving facilities, and commercial fishing.

Many victims face fear, shame, or self-blame, and may depend on the trafficker for basic needs like housing or food. Traffickers also maintain control through isolation, threats, manipulation, and violence, making it difficult and dangerous to escape or seek help.

Here are possible signs that someone may be a victim of human trafficking:

– Not free to come and go, or movement is closely controlled by another person
– Lives and works in the same place, or in a highly restricted/secured location
– Under 18 and exchanging sex for money, food, shelter, or drugs
– Paid little or nothing, or forced to work to pay off a debt owed to the employer or recruiter
– Works long or unusual hours with few or no breaks
– Recruited through false or misleading promises about the job
– Shows signs of abuse, neglect, malnourishment, or branding with names or symbols
– Lacks control over decision-making, identity documents, or money
– May be coached on what to say, isolated from others, or accompanied by someone who speaks for them

If you believe a situation may be trafficking, you can make a confidential report to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888:

Human trafficking has been reported in every single state in the U.S., with an estimated 1.1 million victims nationwide. It occurs in communities of all types, including both affluent and lower-income areas, urban and rural settings, and can be found in a wide range of local businesses and neighborhoods. Freedom Insight focuses our efforts on places where trafficking victims are commonly forced to move, work, and sleep, such as hotels/motels and transportation hubs, such as airports.

Anyone can experience human trafficking, including boys and men. Traffickers often target vulnerable individuals using false promises, manipulation, or coercion. Certain groups are disproportionately affected, including people of color and LGBTQI+ individuals. Others at higher risk include those experiencing poverty or housing instability; runaway youth and children in the foster care system; individuals with a history of trauma, abuse, or neglect; people with mental health or substance use challenges; and those with sensitive immigration status.

Many survivors of human trafficking were trafficked by a friend, spouse, romantic partner, family member, and even by a parent. According to Polaris Project, in 2020 42% of victims/survivors were trafficked by a member of their own family,and 39% were recruited by an intimate partner or through a marriage proposition.

Human traffickers need speed to run a successful business. They rely on air travel to take their victims and move them quickly — far away from an area that they’re familiar with and far away from their support network. This movement makes it less likely that the victim is going to know how to seek help or try to escape.

Freedom Insight targets places where traffickers move, work, and house their victims. Our strategy is to train and empower frontline employees in airports, hotels, and multi-family communities to recognize and report the signs of human trafficking. Once these employees know what to look for and what protocols to follow, they can help provide a pathway to freedom for vulnerable individuals who have been trapped in the cycle of trafficking.

Individuals who are experiencing homelessness, substance abuse, and violence are vulnerable to being trafficked. To support vulnerable individuals in your community:

– Volunteer or donate goods to your local food bank or shelter. 
– Set up a response or safety protocol at your school or hospital
– Do a search for a human trafficking taskforce in your community to find out other ways you can volunteer.
– Get the 10-10-10 Action Plan to find out what you can do in 10 minutes, 10 days, and 10 months to fight trafficking.

Do not confront the suspected trafficker or victim, as this could put both yourself and the victim in danger. Instead, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text “HELP” or “INFO” to 233733 (BeFree). If someone is in immediate danger, call 911.