human trafficking

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Human trafficking is modern-day slavery. Men, women, and children of every race, nationality, and religion are sold, stolen, and bought – they are imprisoned, enslaved, or indebted.

According to the United States Department of Justice, human trafficking is the "third most profitable criminal activity. An estimated $9.5 billion is generated in annual revenue from all trafficking activities, with at least $4 billion attributed to the worldwide brothel industry." 

The United States Department of State estimates that 800,000 women, children and men are internationally trafficked every year. Most of these victims are enslaved in the sex trade industry, followed by domestic servitude and labor. Over 14,000 victims are trafficked into the United States annually, according to the United States Department of Justice, and an estimated 200,000 American children are potentially trafficked each year into the sex trade. At any given time, there are up to 27 million people enslaved throughout the world.
 
Since 2001, the United States Department of Health and Human Services has issued almost 1,100 certifications to human trafficking victims in the United States originating from over 40 countries. The largest contributing regions are Latin America and Asia. According to the Department of Justice, at 70% the majority of victims are female and half of all victims are children. Law enforcement agencies report that the majority of trafficking cases presented as prostitution. But victims of human trafficking have also been rescued from enslavement as domestic servants, child soldiers, beggars, manual laborers, sweatshops workers, and in landmine removal efforts.

Anyone can potentially fall prey to human traffickers.  Before enslavement, many victims earned higher educational degrees.  Many victims were professionals.  Others were simply seeking a better life when they fell prey.  Regardless of demographics or the circumstance of their trafficking, the common thread among all trafficking victims is the deprivation of inherent human rights and dignity. They are frequently subjected to physical, mental, emotional and sexual abuse. They are considered possessions to be used and exploited repeatedly for the traffickers’ gain. They are threatened, coerced, and lied to. These degradations, combined with enslavement and inhumane living conditions, often lead to severe physical and mental deterioration. Although these victims are a commodity to the traffickers, they are nonetheless considered expendable. They are consequently not given adequate care.  Without proper care and essential services, these innocent victims will be less likely to live hopeful, healthy, and productive lives.