Myth
People being trafficked always want help escaping their situation.
Reality
Victims may be manipulated, fear for their safety, or distrust authorities, making it difficult for them to seek or accept help.
Myth
Human trafficking requires transportation across borders.
Reality
Trafficking is defined by exploitation, not movement. Victims can be trafficked in their own hometown or even within their own family.
Myth
All human trafficking involves commercial sex.
Reality
Trafficking includes forced labor, domestic servitude, and other forms of exploitation beyond just commercial sex.
The National Survivor Study is a scientifically rigorous research project developed in full partnership with survivors of human trafficking to gain insights that we can use to push for real and impactful change.
Chronic underfunding of the federal agency charged with protecting workers means labor traffickers are able to operate with impunity because they are pretty sure no one is watching. That has to change. The U.S. Department of Labor must have the resources to hire, train and deploy inspectors who visit job sites and make sure workers are being treated fairly.
Compassionate, committed individuals that care are the most powerful resource there is to prevent and reduce human trafficking. However, to leverage this power, we must ensure we are armed with the knowledge necessary to do the work.