One of the biggest barriers to fighting human trafficking is its hidden nature. And no one can help us understand it better than the survivors who have lived through it.
Today, we are releasing an issue brief that highlights key aspects of sex trafficking in the United States that are often misunderstood. Sex Trafficking in the U.S.: A Closer Look at U.S. Citizen Victims provides crucial insight into the realities of sex trafficking based on experiences reported by survivors. We encourage you to read and share this important resource!
The brief highlights the top 10 risk factors most frequently reported by survivors, common methods that traffickers use to recruit and control their victims, the relationships between victims and traffickers, and venues where sex trafficking occurs. The issue brief distinctly shows that sex trafficking victims face a wide variety of situations, which is why we need to respond to this exploitation in our communities with a wide variety of methods. And with a greater understanding of what victims go through and why it can be so hard to escape, we can more effectively direct resources to supporting survivors and eradicating this crime.
One group of U.S. citizen sex trafficking victims that is especially vulnerable is runaway and homeless youth. Left to the streets, these young people often have nowhere to turn and find themselves in desperate situations. Traffickers quickly target them.
The Runaway and Homeless Youth and Trafficking Prevention Act is a critical bill that would protect these kids and provide them with the shelter and services they need. Unfortunately, the Senate failed to pass it earlier this year.
Right now, this bill is being considered in the House of Representatives. Many of you reached out to your Senators calling for its support, and now we need your help to call on the House to pass this important bill. Send a letter to Congress urging them to protect our youth.
Up to 40 percent of homeless youth identify as LGBTQ. Too often, LGBTQ youth are turned away from shelters and resources, putting them at even greater risk for human trafficking. Polaris is working to open doors to services for LGBTQ homeless youth and better equip service providers nationwide to address their specific needs. You can help! During Pride month in June, set up your own fundraising drive for our Pride campaign.
In solidarity,
Bradley Myles
CEO
Polaris
