January is National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. Human trafficking is exploitation, not a “bad choice.” It involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion for the purposes of labor exploitation or commercial sexual exploitation (Congressional Research Service [CRS], 2025). Individuals who experience trafficking may not identify themselves as victims. Fear of retaliation, psychological coercion, trauma bonding, or coaching often keeps victims from disclosing their situation. (CRS, 2025). For these reasons, trauma‑informed awareness and response are essential.
Understanding the Scope of Human Trafficking in the United States
Researchers do not have a single, reliable national estimate of how many people are trafficked in the United States each year (United States Department of Homeland Security [USDHS, 2026). Because trafficking happens largely out of public view, researchers struggle to measure its prevalence accurately. The most responsible approach is to rely on credible indicators and verified data sources rather than unsupported estimates (USDHS, 2026).
One widely used indicator is reporting to the National Human Trafficking Hotline (National Human Trafficking Hotline, [NHTH], 2026). In 2023, the Hotline received 30,162 substantive signals (CRS, 2025; USDHS, 2026). These reports included information on 9,619 potential trafficking cases referencing 16,999 potential victims. While these numbers do not represent total prevalence, they illustrate the scope and consistency of trafficking concerns reported nationwide (CRS, 2025; USDHS, 2026).
Age and Demographic Realities
Human trafficking impacts both children and adults across communities, industries, and socioeconomic backgrounds (United States Department of Justice [USDJ], 2026). It does not follow a single profile.
With respect to child sex trafficking, the U.S. Department of Justice reports that identified victims are most commonly between the ages of 14 and 17 (USDJ, 2026). Housing instability, prior abuse, family disruption, child welfare involvement, and unmet mental health needs often increase youths’ vulnerability. (USDJ, 2026).
Recognizing Indicators: Patterns Matter
No single indicator confirms that trafficking is occurring (USDHS, 2026). Human Trafficking Awareness includes effective identification, which relies on recognizing patterns that suggest control, coercion, or an inability to leave safely.
Common indicators may include:
- An individual is not allowed to speak for themselves, or another person insists on answering all questions (Basile et al., 2016; CRS, 2025).
- Restricted freedom of movement, constant monitoring, or being transported to and from work (Basile et al., 2016).
- Fearful, anxious, hypervigilant behavior, or inability to explain where they live or work (Basile et al., 2016; CRS, 2025).
- Excessively long work hours, debt bondage, or lack of control over identification documents, money, phone, or transportation (Basile et al., 2016).
- For youth specifically: sudden possession of expensive items, an older controlling partner, frequent runaway episodes, or being advertised online (Basile et al., 2016; USDJ, 2026).
Always interpret indicators within context and approach them with caution, compassion, and safety in mind.
Prevention and Intervention for Human Trafficking Awareness: What Works
Research consistently shows that trauma-informed, culturally responsive prevention and intervention efforts grounded in safety and choice work best.
Effective strategies include:
- Reducing vulnerability through housing stability, economic supports, and access to education and healthcare (Basile et al., 2016; CRS, 2025).
- Educating professionals and community members to recognize indicators, respond without blame, and make appropriate referrals (Basile et al., 2016).
- Prioritizing survivor safety by avoiding direct confrontation with suspected traffickers and respecting individual autonomy during intervention (CRS, 2025).
A trauma‑informed approach recognizes that safety, trust, collaboration, empowerment, and cultural humility are foundational to meaningful response.
If You Suspect Human Trafficking: How to Report Safely
If you believe someone is in immediate danger, call 911.
For non‑emergency concerns:
- National Human Trafficking Hotline: 1‑888‑373‑7888
- Text: BeFree (233733)
- Online reporting is available through the National Human Trafficking Hotline website
Reports can be made anonymously. You do not need proof to report concerns.
Our Commitment
At Gray’s Trauma‑Informed Care Services Corp., we are committed to advancing human trafficking prevention and intervention through evidence‑informed, trauma‑informed education and training. We support organizations and professionals in building practical skills for identification, safe response, and survivor‑centered service linkage.
For those seeking advanced professional development, a Human Trafficking Victim Services Provider certification is available through the National Association of Forensic Counselors.
Gray’s Trauma‑Informed Care Services Corp. also offers customized training for agencies, schools, clinics, and community programs focused on human trafficking awareness, prevention, and intervention.
About the Author
Dr. Amber D. Chapman-Gray, PhD, DBH, DirVPVA is the CEO of Gray’s Trauma-Informed Care Services Corp and the Director of Violence Prevention and Victim Advocacy with The Freedom Train Project Inc. She is a lifelong credentialed victim advocate, a Doctor of Behavioral Health specializing in trauma-informed management and systems change, and a forensic psychologist with specializations in forensic linguistics, victimology, trial consultation, and criminal behavior. As a trauma-informed violence preventionist and interventionist, Dr. Chapman-Gray works to improve the mental health outcomes of victims and survivors of crime while educating healthcare, social service, and justice-adjacent providers in evidence-based, survivor-centered practices.
References
Basile, K. C., DeGue, S., Jones, K., Freire, K., Dills, J., Smith, S. G., & Raiford, J. L. (2016). Sexual Violence Prevention: A Technical Package of Policy, Programs, and Practices. National Center for Injury Prevention and Control, Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://stacks.cdc.gov/view/cdc/39126
Congressional Research Service. (2025). Criminal Justice Data: Human Trafficking (Report No. R47211). https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/R47211
U.S. Department of Justice. (2026). Child Sex Trafficking in the United States.
U.S. Department of Homeland Security. (2026). Human Trafficking Quick Facts. https://www.dhs.gov/human-trafficking-quick-facts
National Human Trafficking Hotline. (2026). Statistics and reporting guidance.