Human trafficking, which includes forced labor and sexual exploitation of individuals, is a global criminal, social, and public health crisis impacting all populations — men, women, children and youth, U.S. citizens, and foreign nationals. Although human traffickers target both adults and minors, children and youth are particularly vulnerable.

The ongoing COVID-19 pandemic has added additional layers to understanding and preventing human trafficking worldwide. across the globe. Disruptions to daily activities like attending school or working, increased economic hardships, and various COVID-19 mitigation efforts (such as stay-at-home orders) have increased the risk of trafficking, particularly among populations already vulnerable before the pandemic.

This month, learn how to recognize and prevent the signs of human trafficking and join us in taking a stand against this issue impacting children and youth in our communities.  

Get Involved:

• Download and share our tip sheet, Human Trafficking: Implications for Adolescent Health Outcomes, to learn about domestic minor sex and labor trafficking, and the implications for adolescent health outcomes. This resource includes valuable information about human trafficking for providers who work with or on behalf of youth. 
• Review Human Trafficking Prevention: Strategies for Runaway and Homeless Youth Settings for practical strategies addressing human trafficking prevention among vulnerable youth.
• Find more resources on human trafficking, by visiting The Exchange. Go to the Resource Gallery and filter by Topic – Trafficking.
• Help keep our schools safe. Learn how to recognize and prevent trafficking in America’s schools with this comprehensive guide. 
• Visit the National Human Trafficking Hotline for additional information, resources, and safety tips.

Get support or report human trafficking and online child sexual exploitation.  

• National Human Trafficking Hotline 
  • Call toll-free 1-888-373-7888 (24/7) or text 233733 (BEFREE) for information, help, or to report potential trafficking crimes.

• National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC)
  • Call toll-free 1-800-THE-LOST (843-5678) to report missing or exploited minors.
  • Report suspected activity online at https://report.cybertip.org/.