Child Sex Trafficking
In complex and frightening times, it’s natural that the world seems like a more dangerous place for our children than ever before. Understanding the realities of child sex trafficking will help you to not only keep your own children safe, but to become an effective advocate for the safety of all children and families in your community.
Child Sex Trafficking Myths
Myth
Child sex traffickers usually kidnap their victims or otherwise take them by force.
Facts
Child sex traffickers usually kidnap their victims or otherwise take them by force.
Myth
Parents and other adults should be on the lookout for strangers who are hunting for children to exploit.
Facts
Parents and other adults should be on the lookout for strangers who are hunting for children to exploit.
Myth
Some teenagers get involved in the sex trade because they have loose morals. We shouldn’t worry about them.
Facts
Some teenagers get involved in the sex trade because they have loose morals. We shouldn’t worry about them.
Myth
The only way to reduce child sex trafficking is to arrest all the perpetrators.
Facts
The only way to reduce child sex trafficking is to arrest all the perpetrators.
Myth
All children are equally at risk for sex trafficking.
Facts
All children are equally at risk for sex trafficking.
Myth
All child trafficking involves sex or prostitution.
Facts
Children are victimized in laboring trafficking situations as well, in the United States.
Contact the U.S. National Human Trafficking Hotline
If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Human Trafficking Hotline toll-free hotline, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week at 1-888-373-7888 to speak with a specially trained Anti-Trafficking Hotline Advocate. Support is provided in more than 200 languages. We are here to listen and connect you with the help you need to stay safe.