Eye-Opening Human Trafficking Statistics Everyone Should Know🦋
When you think of human trafficking, do you think about it happening in a country you've never been to? Or something you've only seen on the television? While labor and sex trafficking are happening around the world, you should be aware that it's also happening right in your backyard, right here in Michigan.
Human trafficking is described as the act of using force, threats, or manipulation to control and exploit vulnerable individuals for labor or sex. This crime affects millions of lives every year, both around the world and locally within the United States.
Now that you know how close this is to home, let's explore some eye-opening statistics about trafficking that you might not know. Keep reading to learn more and find out how you can help fight back against human trafficking right here in Michigan.
Key Takeaways
- Studies have shown that 50 million vulnerable people worldwide are living under forced circumstances. This includes those being trafficked for sex or labor, those living in forced marriages, and child trafficking.
- Forced labor is generating more than $236 billion dollars in profits every single year. This number is rising exponentially, putting more people at risk daily.
- In the U.S., you can count human trafficking victims by the thousands. Trafficking is happening at home, in schools, online, and in the workplace.
- Michigan also has its fair share of trafficking issues. Organizations like Hope Against Trafficking provide support to survivors, while state agencies work with federal partners for victim protection.
Global Human Trafficking Statistics
Human trafficking affects millions worldwide every year. A significant number of victims are women and girls, many of which are forced into illegal sex trafficking. A large percent of men and boys are often forced into labor exploitation.
Number of victims and key demographics
The International Labour Organization states that around 50 million people are living under forced circumstances on any given day. This includes labor trafficking victims, child sex trafficking victims, and those forced into sex trafficking situations.
Globally, around 28 million human beings are victims of labour exploitation, and 22 million are living in forced marriages.
Trafficking affects millions, and understanding the numbers and facts helps you get an idea of how prevalent this crime has become worldwide. These numbers also demonstrate the urgent need for widespread awareness and advocacy in Michigan.
Forced labor vs. sex trafficking prevalence
Forced labor and sex trafficking affect people in different ways. Patterns show that men and boys are often forced into labor, while women and girls have the highest risk of sexual exploitation.
Updated statistics coming from the International Labour Organization have revealed that people falling victim to forced labor are creating around $236 billion dollars in illegal profits every year.
Even more shocking, this number is 37% higher than just ten years ago. The use of force against vulnerable groups is clearly on the rise.
Women often experience violence, abuse, and trauma; however, they may also have to struggle through working long hours for little to no pay. This financial controlling drives them into debt, putting them at a major disadvantage if they ever are lucky enough to break free.
United States Human Trafficking Statistics
In the United States, thousands of individuals, U.S. citizens included, are stripped of their human rights every year as they become victim to common forms of trafficking. Law enforcement agencies have reported an increase in cases of modern slavery that include both labor exploitation and sexual abuse.
Facts behind reported cases of trafficking
Here are some of the facts behind human trafficking cases that have been reported within the United States through the years. In addition to labor and sex trafficking, child trafficking is also extremely common. In the U.S., hundreds of thousands of children are trafficked every year, with the average age of a victim being only 12 years of age.
Usually the trafficker is someone that the victim knows. It could even be a family member. Trafficking occurs online, but also in the workplace, in schools, and at home. Traffickers go after vulnerable individuals and groups that are in search of safety.
Victims are controlled through the use of force, emotional manipulation, financial control, and more. These tactics make it extremely difficult for them to return to a normal life or get away from their abuser.
Human Trafficking in Michigan
Michigan is not immune to this global crime. There are victims of human trafficking living within local communities of Michigan, often in plain sight.
The National Human Trafficking Hotline and the Michigan Human Trafficking Commission report that in the most recent year, Michigan has identified at least 254 confirmed trafficking cases that involved 504 trafficking victims.
In fact, since 2007, Michigan has seen 3307 trafficking cases that included 6909 victims. These are some of the highest numbers the United States has seen. Only a few other states have reported more confirmed trafficking cases than Michigan.
Every case represents someone's loved one that has been forced into modern slavery. They come from all walks of life and backgrounds. Some may be undocumented migrant workers, young women, or exploited children.
Law enforcement officials and local groups like Hope Against Trafficking are consistently working to combat human trafficking within the state. By providing support services like rehabilitation programs, safe housing, and educational resources, they're helping survivors recover every day.
Help End Trafficking In Michigan
Trafficking is happening everywhere. It exists in wealthy countries, rural towns, and urban areas. It spans across borders, class, and income levels. It is not only occurring in conflict zones or low income countries.
Hope Against Trafficking is working to reduce the cases of human trafficking, while also supporting survivors through victim protection, rehabilitation, education, and awareness. Get involved with our mission by donating or volunteering in Pontiac with us today. It's time to create awareness and combat trafficking together.
FAQs
1. What are the main forms of human trafficking reported in recent years?
Labor exploitation and commercial sexual exploitation are still common and still the primary forms of trafficking. Trafficking cases usually involve child labor, involuntary servitude, or commercial sex acts. Women and girls make up the majority of victims in sex trafficking cases.
2. How do traffickers use force or false promises to control victims?
Traffickers use a number of manipulative tactics to gain control over potential victims. They may threaten physical abuse, engage in emotional abuse, practice debt bondage, or give and take basic necessities as leverage. They have also been known to trap people looking for jobs or relationships with false promises.
3. What official organizations collect data on human trafficking cases?
The United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime, and the International Organization for Migration keep track of this important data. The U.S. government also tracks cases through the annual report like the Trafficking in Persons Report.
4. Who are common victims of trafficking according to global data?
Anyone can become a victim, not just those in faraway places like Central Asia or the Middle East. We oftens see children forced into child labor or used as child soldiers. Many adults are trapped into forced labor through debt bondage. Some are exploited for their gender identity or sexual orientation, and others have been trafficked by those closest to them, even intimate partners or family members.
5. How does public awareness help fight against human trafficking?
Public awareness campaigns are a critical step in helping citizens understand what trafficking is, and how they can help to prevent it. By learning about the signs of this criminal activity, they can report important tips, like an illicit massage business, or suspicious supply chains that could be hiding a human smuggling operation.
6. Why is secure reporting important when dealing with sensitive information about trafficking survivors?
You can be certain that when reporting a tip through an official government organization's secure website, you'll be safe from exposure. Victim identities are always protected during data collection. This way they can access victim protection services with peace of mind.
