Human Trafficking
United States Law defines human trafficking as the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex acts or labor or services against his or her will. There is one exception which involves minors and commercial sex. Inducing a minor into commercial sex is always considered human trafficking regardless of the presence of force, fraud, or coercion.
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
OR (Text "HELP" or "INFO") to: 233733
Georgia Cares Hotline: 1-844-8GA-DMST (1-844-842-3678)
Human trafficking is a $150 billion global industry that robs 25 million people around the world of their freedom. People of all backgrounds and ethnicities have been trafficked but traffickers often find their opportunity within already vulnerable populations. Human trafficking is slavery, and no matter where you are it is probably happening nearby.
People who might be vulnerable to trafficking include those who:
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Have an unstable living situation
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Have a history of domestic violence
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Has a caregiver or family member who has a substance abuse issue
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Are runaways or involved in the juvenile justice or foster care system
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Are undocumented immigrants
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Are facing poverty or economic need
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Have a history of sexual abuse
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Are addicted to drugs or alcohol
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Victims of sex or labor trafficking may be citizens, foreign nationals, men, women, children, and LGBTQ+ individuals. Often youth and runaways are particularly targeted.
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METHODS USED BY TRAFFICKERS:
Traffickers use fraud, force, violence, threats, lies, manipulation, debt bondage, romantic relationship, job opportunities, education, immigration, and other forms of coercion to compel adults and children to engage in commercial sex acts against their will. Victims are not only compelled by strangers, but often by those they are in relationship with -- a family member, a parent or relative, a friend, or a romantic partner. Trafficking situations may take place for a very short time, but may stretch on for months and even years.
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To Learn More about Current Statistics and ways to get involved in the fight against trafficking, Click here to Visit The Polaris Project
National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1-888-373-7888
OR (Text "HELP" or "INFO") to: 233733
Georgia Cares Hotline: 1-844-8GA-DMST (1-844-842-3678)