Human Trafficking
Learn about human trafficking and how support is available.
About Human Trafficking
Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to exploit a person for labor, services, or commercial sex. Human trafficking does not always involve physical restraint or movement across borders. Many victims are trafficked in their own communities by someone they know or trust.
Trafficking can occur in homes, businesses, schools, online spaces, and public settings. Victims may be adults or children, and trafficking can affect people of all genders, ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Trafficking can occur in homes, businesses, schools, online spaces, and public settings. Victims may be adults or children, and trafficking can affect people of all genders, ages, races, and socioeconomic backgrounds.
Forms of Human Trafficking
Human trafficking generally falls into two main categories:
Sex Trafficking
Sex trafficking occurs when a person is forced, coerced, or manipulated into commercial sexual activity. Any commercial sex involving a minor is considered trafficking, regardless of force or coercion.
Labor Trafficking
Labor trafficking occurs when individuals are forced or coerced to work under exploitative conditions, often with little or no pay, through threats, debt, or intimidation.
Who Is Affected by Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking affects people from all backgrounds and communities. Vulnerability, not identity, is the greatest risk factor.
People who may be at increased risk include:
Traffickers often exploit emotional needs, financial stress, isolation, or previous trauma.
People who may be at increased risk include:
- Youth and young adults
- Individuals experiencing housing insecurity or homelessness
- Immigrants or people with limited English proficiency
- Individuals experiencing domestic violence or sexual abuse
- People with limited access to financial or social support
Traffickers often exploit emotional needs, financial stress, isolation, or previous trauma.
Common Warning Signs of Human Trafficking
A person who is being trafficked may:
- Appear fearful, anxious, or submissive
- Have limited control over personal identification, money, or transportation
- Work long hours with little or no pay
- Be unable to speak freely or appear coached on what to say
- Have unexplained injuries or signs of physical or emotional abuse
- Avoid eye contact or interaction with others
- Be accompanied by someone who insists on speaking for them
No single sign confirms trafficking, but patterns of control, coercion, and exploitation are key indicators.
Human Trafficking and Domestic & Sexual Violence
Human trafficking is closely connected to domestic violence, sexual assault, stalking, and sexual harassment. Traffickers may be intimate partners, family members, employers, or acquaintances. Many survivors experience multiple forms of abuse at the same time.
How Can We Help?
If you are concerned that you or someone you know may be experiencing human trafficking, you do not have to navigate this alone. Response offers free, confidential, and trauma-informed advocacy for survivors of human trafficking.
Support may include:
Support may include:
- Crisis intervention and emotional support
- Safety planning
- Advocacy and accompaniment
- Help understanding rights and options
- Connections to housing, medical care, and legal resources
- Referrals to additional community and statewide resources
Response works at the pace and comfort level of each survivor. Support is available regardless of whether someone chooses to involve law enforcement.