If you suspect someone is being trafficked or needs help
call the National Human Trafficking Hotline
888-373-7888
Human trafficking is not a third world phenomenon. Individuals are trafficked everyday on our streets and in our own neighborhoods. Any person who has been lured, coerced or forced into exploitation for money has been trafficked.
There are between 100,000 and 300,000 children trafficked and sold in the United States each year. These are children who have grown up here, live here and are sold and bought here. The average age of one of these victims is just 12-14. It is happening on our soil every day.
Estimates say that over 100,000 American children are trafficked each year. Traffickers target children and youth with a history of abuse, family and relationship violence, low self-esteem and minimal social support. They are often lured with promises of love and care, and then trapped by manipulation or threats. Trafficked children or youth are rarely able to ask for help.
Victims of human trafficking are often too afraid to ask for help. They are usually tightly controlled by their trafficker, and may be emotionally involved with the person. Be suspicious if the person is not allowed to make their own decisions, control their own finances, seems disoriented or cannot tell you where they live. Learn how to spot the signs of human trafficking.
Anyone who lures, coerces or forces another person into exploitation or forced labor is a trafficker. Traffickers target vulnerable adults and children, promising love, protection or a high paying job, and then exploit them for their own benefit. They use lies, manipulation, and violence to keep their victims trapped. Victims often doubt any hope for escape, and are too afraid to seek help
Human trafficking happens today all over Delmarva. Trafficking goes on in small towns as well as larger cities and is perpetrated by people from every walk of life, every race and every culture. It is not always who you expect. Victims may be exploited by a stranger, a friend, a relative or even a parent.
