INTRO TO HUMAN TRAFFICKING
It doesn't look like what you think.
The #1 thing people don’t know about this crime is that it’s local. It’s happening right under our noses.
What is Sex Trafficking?
Sex trafficking is the crime of exploiting persons using force, fraud, or coercion to make a person engage in sexual acts. A commercial sex act includes prostitution, pornography, or sexual performance done in exchange for any item of value, such as money, drugs, shelter, food, clothing, or protection.
America is the #1 nation in the world demanding sex with children.
Why? Because we have embraced an immoral culture that fuels the demand for sex by normalizing exploitation.
Misconceptions
True/False?
Sex trafficking mainly happens these days through kidnapping.
False - only 2% of the crime is kidnapping.
True/False?
Trafficking happens through targeting, grooming, and recruiting.
True - it occurs within one’s social circle and even family.
True/False?
Victims know that they are being exploited & controlled.
False - victims do not self-identify as ‘victims.’
Who Are The Traffickers?
IF ONLY 2% OF THE CRIME IS KIDNAPPING, HOW ARE PEOPLE TRAFFICKED OR EXPLOITED?
Grooming, Targeting, & Recruitment:
When a perpetrator targets or manipulates a person to exploit their vulnerabilities. They work to build a trustworthy relationship with the motive of exploiting them, typically for sexual, emotional, financial, or social gain.
Grooming Process
1. Targeting
Perpetrators target and exploit a person’s vulnerabilities, including emotional neediness, lack of confidence, identity, isolation, lack of parental oversight, etc.
2. Earning Trust
Perpetrators work for the kid’s & parent's trust by showing warm yet calculated attention. They gather information about who they’re grooming and find ways to fill their needs.
3. Filling A Need
The perpetrator begins to fill a person’s needs by: gift giving, flattery, words of affirmation and compliments. They work to provide emotional support & give special attention.
4. Isolation
They create situations to be alone - which reinforces relationship (babysitting, one-on-one coaching, “special” trips). They cultivate a sense that they love and understand in a way that others cannot.
5. Sexualization
When co-dependence is built, they progressively sexualize the relationship by talking, asking for pictures, and creating situations where both are naked (i.e. swimming). Coercing the person to self-exploit.
6. Maintain Control
Once sexual abuse happens, perpetrators use manipulation ~ secrecy, guilt, shame, condemnation, and threats, to maintain control. This way, the victim is afraid to share what’s really happening.
WARNING:
Predators are on all social media apps that have a chat feature. Some are even used in schools.… Click HERE to learn more on our Online Exploitation page.
FAQs?
Are nudes risky?
YES. Sending nudes can rapidly lead to sextortion or revenge porn – when someone uses your nudes as blackmail. They threaten you to get you to do something. Most would prefer to handle the situation on their own. You can stop it before it starts by encouraging people to reach out for help.
Are there children in porn?
ABSOLUTELY. there are more than 29 million reports of suspected Child Sexual Abuse Material (child pornography) cases received by the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children. Remember, those shown in pornography are often trafficking victims, & most porn sites are free – fueling demand for sex.
Is prostitution trafficking?
YES. People default to this lifestyle because they experienced sexual abuse as a child, were raped, or became desperate for basic needs. Most prostitutes are trafficking victims – approximately 90%.
Questioning sexuality?
You may ask, “What does questioning your sexuality have to do with trafficking?” One who questions their sexuality is vulnerable because he/she tends to fall into premature experimentation and exploitative conversations.
Red Flag Indicators:
Vulnerabilities
DID YOU KNOW?
The fastest-growing form of trafficking today is familial. It’s someone who has proximity such as: caregivers, teachers, coaches, and peers at school. Click HERE to learn more on our Familial Trafficking page.
What’s Driving Exploitation in America?
These are the six truths fueling trafficking—
25–47% of trafficking victims are exploited by a caregiver. Even more shocking: over 50% of those traffickers are mothers. These aren’t abductions. They’re betrayals. Learn more: Familial Trafficking
There are over 750,000 active child predators online at any given time (FBI). They’re reaching kids through gaming apps, DMs, and social media. If your child has a screen, they’re accessible. Learn more: Online Exploitation
Many people shown in porn are victims of coercion or trafficking. Every view, click, and share feeds an industry built on abuse. Porn doesn’t stay on the screen — it leads to real-world exploitation. Learn more: Porn
Comprehensive Sex Ed (CSE) is being introduced in schools across America —but many parents have no idea what’s inside. Some programs contain explicit content and ideologies that blur the line between education and grooming. See what’s being taught: CSE
Fatherlessness is one of the greatest risk factors for trafficking. When the family falls apart, a child’s first layer of protection disappears. Trafficking thrives when families fall. God’s design matters. Visit: The Nuclear Family
Child Sexual Abuse Material (CSAM) is now being created by kids — under pressure. Predators manipulate them into sending photos or videos, then use threats to extort more. Sextortion is blackmail, and it’s destroying lives. How to Spot Sextortion: CSAM + Sextortion