Human trafficking is the recruitment, transportation, transfer, harbouring or receipt of people for the purpose of exploiting them. It takes many forms, including commercial sexual exploitation, forced labor, and begging and panhandling. It occurs globally and is often cross-border. Most victims are women and girls, but men and boys are also vulnerable to trafficking in persons. Traffickers can lure vulnerable people into a life of abuse and exploitation by promising a better future, fraudulently describing a job opportunity or posing as family members. They may exploit a wide range of people, especially those who are marginalized or vulnerable such as children involved with the child welfare system; black or other people of color; LGBTQI+ individuals; or individuals without lawful immigration status.
Victims of human trafficking can be found all over the world and even right next door. They can be adults or children, of any sex, and all citizenship statuses. They may suffer from physical injuries such as severe dehydration, malnutrition or heat exhaustion. They may experience emotional and psychological trauma, and they can develop mental health issues like anxiety or depression. Victims may be reluctant to report their situation because they fear being criminalized by the authorities.
There is no one profile of a victim of human trafficking, and neither are there any stereotypes about the perpetrators. They can be people of any age, gender, nationality, religion, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, education level or disability. They can operate alone or as part of an organized criminal group. They can be pimps, gang leaders, diplomats, business owners or family members and they can commit this crime in any industry such as restaurants, hotels, massage parlors, farms, factories, mines, construction sites or even in private homes.
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