In 2022, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) received more than 19,000 reports of sex trafficking from all 50 states in the U.S., Washington D.C., and Puerto Rico.

(NCMEC.org)

Human trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to obtain labor or commercial sex acts.

(DHS.gov)

What is child sex trafficking?

Child sex trafficking (CST) is a form of child abuse that occurs when a child under 18 is advertised, solicited, or exploited through a commercial sex act, which is the exchange of anything of value-such as money, drugs, or housing, for sexual activity. 

According to the Florida Alliance to End Human Trafficking, Florida ranks as the third highest state for human trafficking cases; and according to Florida Health, more than half of all human trafficking victims in Florida are minors. The average age that a trafficking victim is first used for commercial sex is 12-14 years, but unfortunately some victims are much younger. Traffickers in the U.S. typically rely on psychological manipulation and grooming to bring girls into exploitation. 

(floridaallianceendht.com)

Who is at risk?

Trafficking can happen to anyone, regardless of age, race, gender identity, sex ethnicity, nationality, immigration status, and socioeconomic class.

Traffickers typically seek out victims who are in vulnerable situations, including children with limited social support, children with a history of childhood physical or sexual abuse, children with mental health disorders, and children with poor self-esteem.

Runaways and children in the foster care system are disproportionately vulnerable to CST.  

To report human trafficking to law enforcement in Florida:

  • call 1-888-FLA-SAFE

  • call 888-373-7888

  • text HELP to 233733(BEFREE)