Exploring the Intersection of Youth Victims and Perpetrators of Human Trafficking Using NIBRS Data

• In Event: Sexual Offenses By and Against Youth: What We Know From Official Data

Abstract

Human trafficking continues to be a pervasive issue in the United States, affecting a broad spectrum of individuals, including youth. While much attention has been given to this issue, a focus on youth and more specifically youth perpetrators is needed. In 2023 alone, the National Incident-Based Reporting System (NIBRS) data indicates there were more than 1,500 youth victims and more than 250 youth perpetrators of human trafficking that came to the attention of law enforcement. This session presents an analysis of NIBRS data to examine the characteristics and patterns surrounding both youth victims and perpetrators of human trafficking. The analysis aims to bridge the gap in understanding these interconnected issues with a focus on the youth population given the data that is available.

Author

• Moriah Taylor, National Center for Juvenile Justice