National Statistics

• Trafficking is the fastest growing industry and second largest criminal enterprise in the United States (US Department of Justice, 2010; Urban Institute, 2014)
• 244,000 – 325,000 children are at risk of being victimized by DMST in the U.S. every year (Estes & Weiner, 2001)
• 100,000 children are forced into the sex slavery industry annually (missingkids.com)
• The average age of entry into the commercial sex market for children is between 12 and 14 years old (sharedhope.org)
• 1 in 6 reported endangered runaways are believed to be victims of child sex trafficking (missingkids.com)
• Size of commercial sex economy in major U.S. cities ranges from an estimated $39 million – $290 million per year (Urban Institute, 2014)

Sex trafficking is a form of modern-day slavery!

• The average age of a child who has been sexual exploited is 12.
• Adolescent girls, controlled by the child sex trafficking trade, are sexually exploited by an adult male on an average of 3 times per night. This number drastically increases if there is an event held in the city that draws large crowds. Victims have reported that they have been required to perform up to 10 or more sexual acts in one night.
• Traffickers sell underage girls for more money than older women. Traffickers usually charge anywhere from $200 to $400 per hour or more.
• Boys and girls can be victims.
• Within 48 hours of a child running away, he or she is more likely to be approached by a pimp or buyer to participate in prostitution or other commercial sex acts.
• 1 out of 4 girls, and 1 out of 6 boys will be sexually victimized by the time they reach the age of 18.
• 1 out of every 10 sexual abuse survivors will never tell.
• Due to STDs, violence, drugs, and suicide, children who are victims of commercial sexual exploitation are considered “lucky” if they live beyond 7 years.
• Homeless, runaway, and neglected youth engage in “survival sex” as a method of meeting basic survival needs such as food and shelter.
• There are fewer than 100 beds nationally in programs that have been designed specifically for children who have been victimized by sex trafficking.
• Labor and Sex Trafficking profit = $32 billion yearly. The sex trafficking accounts for $28 billion yearly.
• $32,800 weekly = Weekly income of pimps
• 46% of buyers go to the victim for a sexual act; 54% of victims go to the predator to perform a sexual act.

Warning Signs of Sexual Exploitation

• History of emotional, sexual, or other physical abuse
• Signs of physical abuse such as burn marks, bruises or cuts
• Signs of current, inexplicable physical illness and/or sexually transmitted disease
• History of running away or current status as a runaway, throwaway or castaway
• Truancy or chronic absences from class
• Drug addiction
• Sexualized behaviors
• Overly tired in class
• Withdrawn, depressed or distracted
• In possession of large amounts of money or brags about making or having lots of money
• Displays expense clothing, accessories, shoes or other gifts
• New tattoo (Tattoos are often used by pimps as a way to brand victims. Tattoos of a name, symbol of money or barcode could indicate trafficking.)
• Presence of older friends (male or female)
• Talks about or invites students/friends to wild parties
• Shows signs of gang affiliation (a preference for specific colors, display gang symbols)
• Inappropriate dress (tight or sexually provocative clothing, weather inappropriate, etc.)
• Development of delinquent behaviors or legal issues
• Difficulty making or maintaining eye contact

Effects of Sexual Exploitation

• Physical Trauma
• Psychological Trauma
• Emotional Trauma
• No trust for law enforcement or any other government system or service
• Education deficits
• Problems in the family

Behaviors or Characteristics of Pimps/Traffickers

• Jealous, controlling, abusive and violent
• Usually older than female companions
• Makes false commitments and promises things that seem too good to be true
• Encourage victims to engage in illegal activities to achieve their goals and dreams
• Buys expensive gifts or owns expensive items
• Is vague about his/her profession
• Pushy or demanding about sex
• Encourages inappropriate sexual behavior
• Makes the victim feel responsible for his/her financial stability. Does not assume responsibility.

Child Sex Trafficking Industries

• Pimp-controlled prostitution
• Pornography
• Escort service
• Commercial-front brothel
• Residential brothel
• Personal sexual servitude
• Strip clubs/adult entertainment
• Erotic/nude massage
• Gang related prostitution
• Phone sex lines
• Familial pimping
• Internet-based exploitation
• Private parties