About Sex Trafficking

Definition: Sex trafficking is the recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, obtaining, patronizing, or soliciting of a person for the purpose of a commercial sex act in which a commercial sex act is induced by force, fraud, or coercion, or in which the person induced to perform such act has not attained 18 years of age.

SAN DIEGO

has been in the top 8 high-intensity areas for commercial sexual exploitation of children in the nation

13-16 YEARS OLD

is the national average age of entry into the sex trade

$810 MILLION

made from the illicit sex trade in San Diego in just one year

3,417-8,108

sex trafficking victims estimated per year in San Diego alone

If trafficking is everywhere, why can't I see it?

Because victims of trafficking…

Are hidden in plain sight. Traffickers isolate and intimidate their victims so they live in constant shame and fear. By keeping them constantly moving on a circuit, victims are kept disoriented and without a means to escape.
Are betrayed by people they know and trust and may feel deeply connected or even grateful to the captor. 83% of confirmed sex trafficking cases in the United States were US Citizens
Are not held in physical chains, yet physical and psychological abuse prevent them from running away or asking for help. Traffickers condition their victims through various methods of violence and manipulation to keep them mentally and emotionally enslaved.
Cannot easily come forward for help. Through psychological conditioning, most don't identify themselves as victims. Others believe there is no way out, as they have been completely stripped of their identity and worth.
Are subject to traffickers’ threats and coercion to control victims. Forced drug use and threats against family and loved ones are common. This violence encourages victims to cooperate to avoid additional punishment.
May appear to be alone, but her trafficker is likely nearby watching her every move. Controlling personal documentation, when she eats, sleeps and what she wears, the trafficker takes complete control over her life.

“Stories become weapons in the hands of human traffickers – fantastical tales of romantic love everlasting and happily ever afters, or tall tales about decent jobs, good wages, waiting for vulnerable workers, just over the horizon. Sometimes, the stories themselves raise red flags. Let’s say, for example, a teacher learns her student plans to run away with a man who promises to make her a model.”

- Taken from Polaris Project, the leading organization in national data and research, and the organization responsible for managing the National Human Trafficking Hotline

How to Recognize the Signs

Someone appears to be newly showered with gifts or money or otherwise become the object of some kind of overwhelming, fast-moving and asymmetric (young/older; wealthy/struggling) romantic relationship.
The person is developing a relationship which seems “too close” with someone they know solely on social media.
The person is offered a job opportunity that appears too good to be true
A person is recruited for an opportunity that requires them to move far away but their recruiter/prospective employer evades answering their questions or is reluctant to provide detailed information about the job.
Is the person accompanied by someone who seems controlling or abusive?
Do they have to ask permission to eat, sleep or go to the bathroom?
Is the person rarely allowed in public? Can they go out in public alone?
Do they have more than one cell phone?
Can you detect physical or psychological abuse?
Is someone else collecting their pay or holding their money for "safe keeping"?

Keep in mind that many victims have a strong sense of distrust and do not see themselves as victims. Being discrete is essential as their trafficker is likely near by. If you see someone that appears to need help, please contact the National Trafficking Hotline (1.888.3737.888) or your local law enforcement.

Please visit polarisproject.org for more information on human trafficking.

Key Human Trafficking Legislation

Modern federal action against human trafficking traces back to the 13th Amendment’s abolition of slavery in 1865. While early prosecutions relied on narrow statutes, a robust legislative framework emerged in the 21st century to combat trafficking more comprehensively.
Major Acts Include:
- Trafficking Victims Protection Act (2000): Established the “3 P’s” — prevention, protection for victims (via health services and immigration relief), and prosecution (creating new forced-labor and sex-trafficking offenses)
- Reauthorization Acts (2003, 2005, 2008, 2013): Expanded criminal tools (e.g., RICO inclusion, extraterritorial jurisdiction), victim services (grants, unaccompanied children screenings), supply-chain accountability, and corporate and government coordination
- Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act (2015): Strengthened prosecution of traffickers and buyers, directed forfeited assets to victim restitution, and required a national anti-trafficking strategy
- TVPA Incremental Updates (2017–2018): Improved victim screening, federal performance tracking, industry partnerships, and diplomatic monitoring; targeted forced labor in diplomatic settings and supply chains
Learn more here.
California has been a national leader in advancing anti-trafficking legislation, enacting laws to strengthen victim protections, increase accountability for traffickers, and promote public awareness. Survivors can access compensation for lost income, confidentiality protections, and expanded legal and immigration support. The state requires hospitality workers to receive trafficking prevention training and mandates that certain public businesses post hotline notices. Additional measures support youth victims, extend civil statutes of limitations, and hold large companies accountable for preventing trafficking in their supply chains.
However, recent policy shifts—such as SB 357, which repealed laws against loitering with intent to engage in prostitution—have sparked concern among advocates who warn these changes may hinder law enforcement's ability to identify and assist trafficking victims. While well-intentioned in aiming to reduce the criminalization of vulnerable individuals, such legislation risks weakening tools that have historically helped uncover exploitation. California has made meaningful progress, but there is still a long way to go to ensure all survivors are protected, supported, and seen.
Learn more here.

If you are in immediate danger or in need of immediate assistance, please call 911 or the following hotline numbers:

233733

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