The Facts
28 Million
People worldwide are trapped in forced labor and human trafficking.
$150+ Billion
Estimated annual illegal profits generated globally by forced labor and human trafficking.
11,999
Potential human trafficking situations were reported to the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline in 2024.
21,865
Potential victims were identified through hotline cases in the United States in 2024.
5.5 Million
Children worldwide are trapped in forced labor, including trafficking.
83%
Of victims identified in federal sex trafficking investigations in the United States were U.S. citizens.
14 - 17
Age range during which many victims are first exploited in sex trafficking.
Child Welfare
Trafficked youth are disproportionately drawn from the child welfare and foster care systems.
Marginalized Communities
Women and girls from marginalized communities are disproportionately targeted by traffickers.
71%
Of people in prostitution report experiencing
physical assault.
63%
Of people in prostitution report being raped by pimps and sex buyers.
Profit Motive
Traffickers generate substantial profits from each victim, creating powerful financial incentives for exploitation.
Sources: International Labour Organization (ILO), Polaris Project / National Human Trafficking Hotline, U.S. Department of Justice, Farley et al.