Human trafficking  is the biggest sector of trafficking across the world. While we may be familiar with the most common form called sex trafficking, there are two other forms that have played a huge role in the U.S. according to the U.S. Department of State. Debt bondage is another form of human trafficking in which an individual is forced to work in order to pay a debt.

Sex trafficking disproportionately affects women and children and involves forced participation in commercial sex acts. In the United States, any child under the age of 18 who has been involved in a commercial sex act is considered a trafficking victim. Women and girls make up 80% of the people trafficked transnationally. Yearly, traffickers exploit 1 million children in the commercial sex trade.

The common perception of sex trafficking is women being forced into prostitution. While this perception is accurate it is important to recognize the various aspects that human trafficking can have. Victims of trafficking can also be men and children. These survivors will exploited in so many ways , all nationalities and ethnicities are vulnerable to human trafficking. It is our job to help protect our communities when we can. If you see something, say something.