Understanding Human Trafficking

Human trafficking is modern-day slavery. Traffickers use control, fraud, and coercion to force victims into work or sexual service. 

Trafficking happens every day, in every country, in every state, including Topeka, Kansas, according to the U.S. Department of State. 

Victims of trafficking are people of every age, ethnicity, gender, and socio-economic background. Human trafficking is a criminal industry generating $150 billion worldwide, according to The Exodus Road. 

People who fall victim to trafficking have risk factors that make them a target for exploitation, such as poverty, emotional neglect, and sexual abuse.  Traffickers recognize these vulnerabilities and use them for manipulation and control. 

What is sex trafficking?

Commercial sexual exploitation always begins with skilled and unfair influence, especially in situations where there is a power imbalance involved, such as physical strength, age gaps, and positions of authority. Traffickers use intimidation and force to secure compliance from the victim. 

Often, victims of sex trafficking do not recognize themselves as such because grooming by the trafficker makes them believe they are choosing to participate in commercial sex. 

The trafficker may use hot and cold behavior to control the victim, showering them with gifts and affection and then treating them poorly to coerce them to engage in the trafficker’s desired behavior. 

In 2022, 6.3 million people worldwide were victims of commercial sexual exploitation, according to the International Labour Organization. 

What is labor trafficking?

Victims of labor trafficking often come from extreme poverty and are vulnerable to the need for food, clothing, and shelter. They are exploited with promises of a job but end up in abusive working conditions with long hours and no pay. 

Victims of labor trafficking often work in agriculture, domestic and cleaning services, construction, restaurants, manufacturing, and carnivals according to The Exodus Road. 

In 2021, 27.6 million people were in situations of forced labor according to the International Labour Organization.

What is forced marriage?

Victims of forced marriage are trafficked for both sex and labor exploitation. They live against their will in inhumane conditions. Forced marriage is often initiated by family members. An estimated 22 million people were living in forced marriage on any given day in 2021, according to the International Labour Organization.

 

Risk factors for sex trafficking

Individual vulnerability factors create complex pathways that lead to sex trafficking.

When a person experiences trauma, PTSD, or ongoing mental health challenges, they become more susceptible to manipulation and control, tools that sex traffickers use. A history of abuse and neglect creates deep vulnerabilities that traffickers recognize and exploit. 

People who have experienced physical, emotional, or sexual abuse may have normalized abusive behavior and struggle to establish healthy boundaries. Childhood neglect, exposure to domestic violence, and being part of the child welfare system can impact decision-making and risk assessment abilities. Family dysfunction may lead to seeking validation and connection in unsafe relationships. Unresolved trauma can affect self-worth and the ability to recognize exploitation.

Substance use and dependency are also vulnerability factors and a method of control used by traffickers. Traffickers often deliberately introduce or exploit existing substance dependencies, forcing victims into addiction and then leveraging both the physical need for drugs and the promise of substances to ensure compliance and prevent escape.

Another risk for exploitation is driven by economic instability. Victims of trafficking often have a history of poverty and few educational opportunities. Limited employment options make them vulnerable to false promises of financial security. 

Housing insecurity and homelessness create immediate survival needs that traffickers often exploit. Food insecurity and lack of life necessities often push people toward high-risk situations. Debt bondage is particularly insidious, as traffickers use real or manufactured debt to maintain control. Limited access to financial resources and banking services makes it difficult for individuals to establish independence.

The absence of strong support systems significantly increases vulnerability. Social isolation, whether because of no family, geographic location, language barriers, or cultural factors, leaves individuals with fewer protective resources. Limited family connections and absence of trusted adults mean there are fewer people to recognize warning signs or provide help. 

Age-related vulnerabilities make youth particularly susceptible to exploitation. Their developmental stage and limited life experience can make it difficult to recognize manipulation and grooming behaviors. The natural need for belonging and acceptance may lead to trusting the wrong people. Economic dependence on adults and limited legal rights create power imbalances that traffickers exploit. Young people often lack the decision-making experience to evaluate risky situations effectively. 

Sex trafficking warning signs

• Sudden changes in appearance 
• Unexplained access to money and gifts
• New relationships with older individuals
• Increased secrecy around communication
• Possession of multiple phones 
• Physical signs of abuse such as marks and bruises
• Withdrawal from previous activities
• Changes in sleep patterns
• Anxiety, fearfulness, and inability to speak freely 
• Scripted or rehearsed responses to questions 
• Lack of personal identification documents

 

How you can prevent human trafficking 

You are already taking the first step to prevent human trafficking. Educating yourself and others is the most powerful tool against human trafficking. 

Keep watch in public 

• Watch for signs of potential trafficking in local businesses
• Report suspicious activities to local law enforcement
• Call the National Human Trafficking Hotline 1-888-373-7888 or text HELP to 2337
  

 

 

 

Invest in young people

Help make youth in your community immune to the tactics of sex traffickers by spending time and energy with them and creating protective environments. Show them they are valuable members of the community. Connect them with your social network and help them find jobs. Encourage them to find their purpose and help them see possibilities for their future. 

Volunteer in a local youth program. Join Big Brothers Big Sisters.  Teach at your church’s youth group. 

Work to become trauma informed by reading the Body Keeps the Score and other practical guides. 

Parents: Build Strong Family Connections

Maintain open communication through trust and genuine interest in your child’s life and interests. Keep in tune with their friends and stay involved in their daily activities.  That way, you are equipped to recognize signs of emotional distress and significant behavioral changes that could indicate a grooming situation. 

Create a supportive environment where your child feels comfortable sharing anything without fear of judgment. Listen actively and validate their feelings when they talk to you

Teach children that everything posted online is permanent and discuss the long-term consequences of online sharing. Explain how personal information can be misused and encourage thoughtful, responsible online behavior. 

        

Guard your child online

• Use strict privacy settings on all social media platforms
• Create private or limited-view accounts for minors
• Limit all personal information shared publicly
• Use pseudonyms and restricted personal details
• Avoid sharing location information
  

Teach your child about relationship safety

• Discuss the importance of not keeping secrets from trusted adults
• Explain that trustworthy adults will never ask children to keep secrets
• Build their self-esteem and confidence
• Teach assertive communication skills
• Practice scenarios where they can practice saying “no” and setting boundaries
• Encourage them to trust their instincts
• Discuss consent, healthy relationships, and personal boundaries
• Teach them to recognize red flags such a manipulation in relationships

About Project 2 Restore

Mission

To provide a long-term safe home where survivors of commercial sexual exploitation receive comprehensive care specific to their needs that includes spiritual, mental and physical healing with access to vocational and educational opportunities.

Services provided at Project 2 Restore

First Phase: Safety and Security 

Physical: Basic needs of food, clothing, and all obtained primary health care, dental and vision care. 

Emotional: Individualized Life Plan with weekly therapy sessions through Christ First Counseling Center and our partnership with SENT Topeka.  Development of coping skills, cognitive behavior, and trauma strategies  

Spiritual: Introductory Bible Studies, Keys to Freedom, Character words, Experiencing God and daily journaling personal reflections.  

Second phase: Growth 

Residents begin moving beyond basic foundations to grow personally. This is often where residents became deeper in seeking healing through faith.  

All residents learn domestic skills such as cooking, gardening and caring for the home.  All residents attend church regularly with weekly activities to develop social skills and overcome trauma experiences.

Third Phase: Independence 

Residents start planning for life after leaving Project 2 Restore. Depending on their situation they have a job by this point and begin planning for long-term vocations. They participate in goal setting and confidence building exercises. They continue Bible studies and pursue personal interests with the support of the staff. They learn about safe and mutual relationships.