About
Human
Trafficking
About
Human
Trafficking
What is Human Trafficking
While human trafficking is mistakenly thought of as something that does not occur in “my community”; it is happening here locally. In the U.S., Texas ranks second in reported cases of human trafficking. Even closer, the The Urban Institute reported that the commercial sex industry in the Dallas/Fort Worth market, annually generates $98.8 million dollars; which trafficked victims are a key role.
- California
- Texas
- Florida
- New York
- Ohio
The Impact of Human Trafficking on Minors
Sexual abuse often is a factor in the human trafficking path. For example, Sergeant Byron Fassett of the Dallas Police Department’s High Risk Victims Unit estimates that nearly 70% of the child prostitutes he encountered were runaways who were physically or sexually abused before they left home. While children can be vulnerable inside their own home, there is no guaranteed safety if they leave, since on average, children are likely to be approached by traffickers within 48 hours of leaving or losing their homes.
The Impact of Human Trafficking on Minors
Sexual abuse often is a factor in the human trafficking path. For example, Sergeant Byron Fassett of the Dallas Police Department’s High Risk Victims Unit estimates that nearly 70% of the child prostitutes he encountered were runaways who were physically or sexually abused before they left home. While children can be vulnerable inside their own home, there is no guaranteed safety if they leave, since on average, children are likely to be approached by traffickers within 48 hours of leaving or losing their homes.
How to Recognize a Victim
- Burns/scars
- Malnourished or hungry
- Varied stages of bruising
- Branding or tattoos, such as a $, a barcode, or “Daddy”
- Signs of alcohol/drug addiction
- Withdrawn, depressed, and fearful
- Inappropriately dressed for the season
- Inconsistent stories
- Frequent or unexplained absences
- Frequent travel to other cities
- Always accompanied by older, controlling boyfriend or woman; or has a boyfriend 10+ years older
- Talks about sexual situations beyond what is normal for their age

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OUR HOPE IS…
A world where sexual abuse and exploitation is not tolerated; and the victims are fully restored.