What is child trafficking?
Child trafficking is a severe form of human exploitation where children are recruited, transported, transferred, harbored, or received for the purpose of exploitation. This exploitation can take many forms, including forced labor, sexual exploitation, illegal adoptions, child soldiering, and even organ trafficking. Child trafficking is a gross violation of children’s rights and a serious crime that exists globally, including in both developing and developed countries.
Shining a Light on Child Trafficking
Jennifer Beagle's Story
Jennifer Beagle is not just a survivor of child trafficking; she is a powerful advocate and the founder of Her Hope Kentucky. Her journey from victim to leader has equipped her with a deep understanding of the horrors of trafficking, and she is now dedicated to preventing others from enduring the same fate.
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By sharing her story here, we aim to shed light on the grim realities of child trafficking and highlight the importance of organizations like Her Hope Kentucky. Jennifer's message is a call to action—urging us all to recognize the signs, support survivors, and work together to end this atrocity.
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Watch the video below to hear Jennifer Beagle's story and learn how you can join the fight against child trafficking.
The Numbers
Here’s a snapshot of the staggering statistics that highlight the severity of child trafficking worldwide:
49.6
Today, there are 49.6 million people in modern slavery worldwide, and 12 million of them are children. (ILO, United Nations)
54
54% of those trapped in modern slavery are women and girls. (ILO)
88
There were 88 million child sexual abuse material (CSAM) files reported to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) tip line in 2022.
50
Child sex trafficking has been reported in ALL 50 U.S. states. (NCMEC)
150
Human trafficking is a $150 billion industry globally, making it the second most profitable illegal industry in the U.S., just behind drug trafficking. (UNICEF)
Sex trafficking is the most common type of trafficking in the U.S., with a significant number of victims being children. (Polaris Project)
U.S.
Why It Matters
Child trafficking is not just a crime but a violation of the most fundamental human rights. Children who are trafficked are often subjected to horrific conditions, including physical and emotional abuse, deprivation, and exploitation. The trauma inflicted on trafficked children can have long-lasting effects, impacting their ability to trust others, form relationships, and lead healthy, fulfilling lives.
10 Myths and Facts about child trafficking
Myth 1: Trafficking always involves movement or crossing borders.
Fact: Trafficking is not necessarily about transportation. It's about exploitation. Children can be trafficked within their own country, city, or even neighborhood without ever crossing a border.
Myth 2: Only girls are victims of trafficking.
Fact: Boys, girls, and non-binary children can all be victims of trafficking. While girls are often trafficked for sexual exploitation, boys are frequently trafficked for labor or forced into criminal activities.
Myth 3: Child trafficking only happens in developing countries.
Fact: Child trafficking occurs worldwide, including in developed countries. No country is immune to the problem, and it can happen in urban, suburban, and rural areas alike.
Myth 4: All traffickers are strangers to the victims.
Fact: Traffickers can be strangers, but they are often acquaintances, friends, family members, or romantic partners. They exploit trust and relationships to manipulate and control their victims.
Myth 5: Victims of child trafficking always come from poverty.
Fact: While poverty is a significant risk factor, children from various socioeconomic backgrounds can become victims. Traffickers prey on vulnerabilities, which can include emotional needs, lack of family support, and previous abuse or neglect.
Myth 6: Victims of trafficking can easily escape.
Fact: Escape is incredibly challenging due to physical, psychological, and emotional control exerted by traffickers. Victims often face threats, violence, and manipulation, making it difficult for them to seek help or leave their situation.
Myth 7: Child trafficking victims can always seek help from law enforcement.
Fact: Victims may fear law enforcement due to threats from traffickers, distrust of authorities, or fear of being criminalized for activities they were forced into. Effective help often requires specialized training and approaches from law enforcement and support services.
Myth 8: Trafficked children will ask for help when they need it.
Fact: Many victims do not recognize themselves as victims or may be too afraid, ashamed, or traumatized to seek help. They might be conditioned to distrust outsiders or believe they deserve their situation.
Myth 9: Child trafficking is only about sexual exploitation.
Fact: While sexual exploitation is a significant aspect of child trafficking, it also includes forced labor, domestic servitude, forced begging, and involvement in illegal activities.
Myth 10: There is nothing individuals can do to stop child trafficking.
Fact: Everyone can play a role in combating child trafficking. Awareness, education, supporting anti-trafficking organizations, advocating for stronger laws, and being vigilant in your community are all vital steps.
How We Fight Back
At Hope Breaks Through, we are dedicated to exposing the harsh realities of child trafficking and empowering communities to take action. We create high-quality, educational video content that sheds light on this issue, helping nonprofits and organizations around the world spread awareness and drive change. By equipping these organizations with powerful storytelling tools, we aim to inspire decisive action to protect children from exploitation and give them the chance to thrive.
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Explore More:
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National Human Trafficking Hotline:
1-888-373-7888 or Text BE FREE to 233733​
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National Suicide Prevention Hotline:
1-800-273-8255