Human Trafficking in the U.S.: Strategies and Solutions for Combating Sexual Exploitation

• In Event: Trafficking and Sexual Exploitation: What Do We Know, What Should We Do?

Abstract

Human trafficking, which involves forced labor and sexual exploitation, is the fastest growing criminal industry in the world. It is a growing domestic problem, with 83% of trafficking victims identified in the U.S. found to be U.S. citizens. Human trafficking has received increased domestic and international attention from the media, law enforcement, and human rights activists over the past decade, resulting in an increased public awareness of the problem of sex trafficking. In the United States, the average age that children are first trafficked for commercial sex is 12-14. The purpose of this study is to examine what we know about the current extent of sex trafficking in the United States, review the government response to this growing problem, and identify areas in need of further study to better combat this crime. Preliminary results indicate a need for better screening tools for women and girls who enter the criminal and juvenile justice system to identify those who have been the victims of human trafficking.

Author

• Jennifer N. Grimes, Indiana State University