The Issue
The Fight Against Sex Trafficking
Worldwide Problem
Modern day slavery refers to situations of exploitation where a person cannot leave a situation because of violence, threats, coercion, or deception. According to the Global Slavery Index, 49.6 million people worldwide were living in modern slavery in 2021. This includes forced commercial sexual exploitation, forced labor, forced marriage, debt bondage, and the sale and exploitation of children. In all its forms, modern day slavery results in the removal of a person’s freedom.
Human Trafficking in the United States
A 2023 report by The Exodus Road identified that there are as many as 1.1 million individuals experiencing human trafficking in the United States. According to the United States Department of Homeland Security, sex trafficking disproportionately impacts women and girls, who make up 78% of all sex trafficking victims in the United States.
What is Sex Trafficking?
Sex trafficking is the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel a person into commercial sex work such as prostitution. Any time a minor engages in a sex act for money, it is considered sex trafficking. In 2015, the federal definition of sex trafficking expanded to include sex buyers. So anytime a person purchases sex from either an adult or a child, it is considered sex trafficking in the United States.
Who are the Victims?
Anyone can become a victim of sex trafficking. But there are some vulnerabilities that can make people more at risk.
Between 60% - 70% of all human trafficking survivors in the U.S. have had contact with the foster care system (Thorn)
The typical age of entry into sex trafficking is between 12 - 14 years old (ASPE)
Girls with a history of domestic sexual abuse are at a higher risk of being sex trafficked (ASPE)
1 out of every 7 runaway children is reported to become a child sex trafficking victim (Thorn)
The average lifespan for a non-rescued human trafficking victim is 7 years from the time they first become sex trafficked
(Phoenix Rising)
Sex Trafficking in Washington
Washington is uniquely situated to be a hot spot for human trafficking. As a border state with multiple seaports and the I-5, I-90, and I-82 corridors, Washington has several transportation hubs. In addition, the western Washington metropolitan area has a high wealth population and hosts large sporting events and concerts. All of these things can contribute to an increase in the demand for sex buying.
