Human trafficking is the fastest-growing criminal industry in the world—and it’s happening right here in our own backyard

  • Over 27,000 human trafficking cases were reported in the U.S. in the last five years—many more go unreported.

  • New England is a key corridor for trafficking due to its proximity to major cities, seasonal labor needs, and access to highways and transit.

  • Human trafficking is a $150 billion industry—and the U.S. is one of the top destinations and sources for trafficked individuals.

  • Trafficking doesn’t require movement—many victims are trafficked in their own homes, schools, and neighborhoods.

  • The average age of entry into sex trafficking in the U.S. is just 12 to 14 years old.

  • Over 40% of trafficking victims in the U.S. were trafficked by someone they knew—a family member, partner, or friend.

KEY DEFINITIONS

Human Trafficking

The recruitment, harboring, transportation, provision, or obtaining of a person for labor or services, through the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purpose of subjection to involuntary servitude, peonage, debt bondage, or slavery.

Force

The use of physical power or threats to control a person.

This includes beatings, rape, confinement, physical restraint, or other forms of violence used to compel a person to act against their will.

Fraud

The use of lies, false promises, or deception to exploit someone.

Examples include fake job offers, false relationships, or manipulating someone’s trust to lure them into trafficking.

Coercion

Psychological or emotional pressure used to control someone.

This includes threats of harm, debt manipulation, withholding basic needs, threats against family, or exploiting addiction and instability.

Commercial Sex Act

Any sex act where something of value is exchanged—money, food, drugs, shelter, protection, or favors.

If force, fraud, or coercion is involved, or if the person is a minor, it is considered sex trafficking under U.S. law.

Exploitation

Using a person for sex or labor in ways that benefit someone else, especially when they can’t freely consent.

Includes sexual exploitation, forced labor, slavery, servitude, and organ removal.

The Life

A term often used by survivors to describe life within the commercial sex industry or the world of trafficking.

It reflects the normalization of exploitation, glamorization by traffickers, and deep psychological control that’s hard to unlearn.

Grooming

A deliberate process used by traffickers to build trust and dependency before exploiting someone.

Starts with gifts, promises, or affection—then shifts into manipulation, isolation, and shame.