U.S. Human Trafficking Statistics

Human trafficking is a serious issue that many people have heard of, but few truly understand. While it's often linked to sexual exploitation, it also involves the forced labor of individuals, including domestic work. This crime affects millions, and the more we understand it, the better we can fight it.

If someone has subjected you to domestic or sexual labor, you deserve to explore your rights to compensation for the crimes committed against you.  

Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire is an experienced law firm, and our sex trafficking lawyers are familiar with the unique needs of human trafficking cases, whether they are sex trafficking or labor trafficking litigation. Our team understands that the choice to come forward is extremely personal, and when you choose to take that step, you can contact us online or by phone at 619-236-9363.

How Is Human Trafficking Defined?

People are protected against trafficking through federal and state legislation. Human trafficking happens when someone forces, tricks, or threatens another person to work against their will, usually for labor or sexual exploitation. This may be done through:

• Fraud
• Deceit
• Coercion 
• Violence
• Duress
• Menace
• Threat to physical safety

While many people think of human trafficking as only involving sexual acts, it’s much broader. Victims can be forced to work in factories, farms, and homes, or even be used for illegal activities like selling goods. It's a crime that robs people of their freedom and dignity, no matter the type of exploitation.

How Many People Are Trafficked Yearly in the U.S.?

The number of people trafficked in the U.S. is much higher than many realize. A recent study from the Global Slavery Index found that over 1 million people in the U.S. are living in modern slavery. This number is nearly three times higher than a similar report published six years ago, which estimated the number at about 400,000.

The study reveals that for every 1,000 people in the U.S., there are 3.3 victims of modern slavery. That’s a staggering number, especially considering that human trafficking can be hidden and hard to track. So, the true number of victims could actually be even higher.

The difficulty in measuring human trafficking comes from differences in definitions and inconsistent reporting across states. This lack of clear and consistent data makes it hard to get an accurate picture of just how many people are suffering from this crime.

However, the rates of human trafficking over the last decade have been consistently increasing. By 2021, the United States Bureau of Justice Statistics reports that the rates of perpetrators increased by nearly 50% from 2011, with over 2,000 individuals referred to the US attorneys for trafficking charges. 

Since its inception in 2007, the National Human Trafficking Hotline has received 432,902 signals, including: 

• Hotline Call: 306,220
• SMS Report: 61,387
• Online Report: 31,868
• Email Received: 25,197
• Web Chat: 8,230

Also, the hotline has identified a total of 100,891 human trafficking cases, involving 197,000 victims since 2007.

How Common Is Human Trafficking in the U.S.?

In 2023 alone, the National Human Trafficking Hotline received 30,162 signals, with 7,380 of these signals coming from survivors of human trafficking. Through these signals, the hotline was able to identify 9,619 cases in 2023, involving 16,999 victims since human trafficking cases can involve multiple victims.

The types of trafficking reported in 2023 included: 

• Sex: 5,572 cases
• Labor: 1,558 cases
• Sex and Labor: 1,021 cases

For 2023, the most common venues for sex trafficking were broken down into the following: 

• Residence-Based Commercial Sex: 618
• Online Ad, Venue Unknown: 185
• Illicit Massage/Spa Business: 182
• Escort/Delivery Service: 143
• Hostess/Strip Club-Based: 43
• Truck Stop-Based: 36
• Tourism: 5
• Other: 3,233

The number of identified individuals who are subjected to human trafficking is upsetting, and what makes it worse is how often it happens right in front of our noses. 

Trafficking is often the result of intentional grooming or manipulation and can happen in places we least expect, sometimes making it difficult to collect accurate U.S. human trafficking statistics. 

Some trafficking situations may be the stereotypes that we picture. However, it is not uncommon for otherwise legitimate businesses to play a role in trafficking. We may always be suspicious of the young girl and middle-aged man in a sketchy motel, but we are not nearly as often suspicious of the well-dressed mother and daughter checking in beside us.

Regardless of your motivation to come forward, we understand that nothing about what happened to you is your fault, and the only person who should hold shame over what was done is the individuals who perpetrated the abuse.

Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire fiercely advocates for the brave survivors of human trafficking, working nonstop to restore their dignity, secure justice, and help them rebuild their lives. No one should have to face this battle alone. If you or someone you know has been affected by human trafficking, contact our team today online or by calling (619) 236-9363.

Barriers to Accurate Human Trafficking Statistics in the United States

In the world of human trafficking and sexual abuse, it is a known fact that these crimes go dramatically underreported. This lack of reporting, in addition to the inconsistent definitions, makes accurate human trafficking statistics in the United States very difficult to obtain. 

Some organizations like Rape Abuse Incest National Network (RAINN) suspect that reporting rates for sexual assault and abuse could be as low as 30%. When you consider the additional difficulties that many victims of sex trafficking face, the reporting among this population may be considerably lower.

Warning Signs of Human Trafficking

All of us have a part in preventing and speaking out against human trafficking. Therefore, everyone should be alert and watch out for warning signs, such as:

• Fear or anxiety
• Jumpiness
• Unexplained marks or bruises 
• Lack of access to their own money or identification
• Little clothing
• Lack of privacy

As travelers, we may not be well-versed in the signs of human trafficking in hotels. Thankfully, many hotels are aware of how their industry is more vulnerable to traffickers and generally provide additional training to their teams regarding how to spot flags for trafficking in hotels. Some of the hotels facing allegations of both sex trafficking and forced labor include Super 8, Motel 6, and Marriott, which are notably popular chains. 

If you are being exploited for sex, labor, or both, you deserve support and help to leave. You can contact us by online form or by phone at 619-236-9363. When we talk, we can explain your options and provide information on resources that may be available to you regarding resources, housing, or counseling. 

Risk Factors of Human Trafficking

Everyone is not at equal risk of human trafficking. Recent data tells us that there are multiple risk factors for those who may be targeted for trafficking. Some of the top factors include:

• Previous experience of abuse or neglect
• Social isolation
• Social stigma and exclusion 
• Multiple adverse childhood experiences (ACEs)

Of the cases identified by the National Human Trafficking Hotline in 2023: 

• There were 6,676 adult cases
• 2,535 involved minors
• 6,863 cases involved females
• 1,480 cases involved males

Additional considerations of vulnerabilities to trafficking include characteristics such as gender, sexuality, and nationality. One common myth about human trafficking is that only people who are here illegally or undocumented are at risk. 

In reality, migrant populations, regardless of their visa or legal status, can be especially vulnerable for various reasons. Additionally, LGBTQ+ boys and men are often targeted and seen as particularly vulnerable to trafficking.

Call Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire Today 

The choice to pursue a civil case following your subjugation to trafficking is difficult. Speaking out and facing the legal process can leave survivors feeling incredibly vulnerable again. 

If you or someone you know is ready to speak out, you need support in labor trafficking litigation or a sex trafficking attorney who understands the nuance of these cases. Thorsnes Bartolotta McGuire will work with you step by step to help you understand your options and prepare you for what comes next in your journey. This is not a process you have to navigate alone, so call us at 619-236-9363 or fill out an online form for a free, zero-obligation consultation.