victims of human trafficking can be divided into three populations: 1 Children under age 18 induced into commercial sex. Adults aged 18 or over induced into commercial sex through force, fraud, or coercion. 2 Children and adults induced to perform labor or services through force, fraud, or coercion. 3 source:
tourism in Arizona also support sex trafficking; warm weather, multiple interstate highways, proximity to the border, short drive to Las Vegas or San Diego, major conference destination, and home to many professional sporting events. source:
decade source: sex trafficking is a high profit, low risk business where the commodity can be sold repeatedly, unlike drugs or weapons, where the product can only be sold one time. drug and arms trafficking in its incidence, cost to human wellbeing, and profitability to criminals
youth in foster care are the most vulnerable population of youth at risk for sex trafficking (source: Ecpat USA,2013) The average age at which girls first become exploited through prostitution is years old (source: US Department of Health and Human Services, 2013)
rates of history of childhood sexual abuse, history of running away, and involvement with the juvenile justice system (source: ASU School of Social Work) The Arizona Department of Economic Security estimates that there are over 5,000 homeless children in Arizona. This category includes young people who have run away from home, been thrown out of their homes or abandoned by parents or guardians (source: AZDES Homelessness in Arizona, 2011)
a part of an extensive criminal network source: They include a wide range of criminals, including individual pimps, family operations, small businesses, loose-knit decentralized criminal networks, gang based, and internationally organized criminal operations
to engage in constant recruiting and attempt to entice women and children into their web of control. Common recruiting locations include: Junior high and high school Bus stops and stations Foster homes and group homes Homeless shelters Parks and playgrounds Restaurants and bars Shopping malls Online/Social media Online video games
about the issue of sex trafficking 2. Train groups who may interact with victims about the warning signs This includes: 3. Educate the community about the warning signs and harms of prostitution 4. Enforce existing laws against prostitution to deter buyers from commercial sex law enforcement, health care workers, child protective services, etc.