Advocacy
LEARN THE SIGNS. CHALLENGE THE MYTHS. BE A VOICE OF FREEDOM.
What is sex trafficking?
Sex trafficking is a pervasive issue in the United States, affecting people of all ages, backgrounds, and communities. It is defined as the exploitation of individuals for commercial sex through force, fraud, or coercion. Any commercial sex act involving a minor is considered trafficking by law, regardless of coercion.
Why it matters: This issue is not just about awareness—it is about mobilizing resources to support organizations that intervene, rescue, and restore lives.
Currently, there is an estimated 4.8 million victims in forced sexual exploitation (International Labor Organization).
Globally, the sex trafficking industry earns $99 billion annually (Department of Homeland Security).
Approximately 40% of victims are recruited by immediate family members or close family friends (Counter-Trafficking Data Collaborative).
Common Myths of Trafficking
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Victims often can't "just leave" due to emotional abuse, financial control, and threats. Emotional coercion (28%), economic abuse (26%), and threats (23%) were the most common control tactics reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline (Polaris, 2021).
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Trafficking happens everywhere—including small towns and rural areas—and has been reported in all 50 states (Polaris, 2020).
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Many traffickers use coercion, deception, and financial control over violence. In 43% of cases, they are employers, family, or partners (U.S. Dept. of Transportation, 2023).
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Most U.S. trafficking victims are American, with women and children most affected (National Human Trafficking Hotline, 2021).
Resources
Explore the realities of sex trafficking and find out how you can take action in the fight for freedom. These resources provide educational tools, research, and awareness materials to help individuals, organizations, and communities recognize and respond to human trafficking, sexual exploitation, and domestic violence.
Request a speaker
House of Cherith offers impactful trainings to help your company, church, or community group understand and respond to sex trafficking and sexual exploitation.
Our team provides:
Survivor-informed education
Practical tools to spot warning signs
Steps for prevention and response
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Stories of hope
Hear from current residents and graduates of House of Cherith. Learn how they have grown, healed, and found peace since coming to House of Cherith!
