Human trafficking is a heinous crime that impacts millions globally, trapping individuals in situations of forced labor, sexual exploitation, and other forms of abuse. According to the International Labor Office, the human trafficking industry is estimated to be a $236 billion-a-year global business. Despite its far-reaching effects, human trafficking often remains hidden, making it difficult to recognize and address.
There are many false narratives about human trafficking. One of the most pervasive myths is that it only happens abroad. In reality, it is estimated that around 200,000 human trafficking incidents occur in the U.S. every year. Victims come from all walks of life and include both U.S. citizens and foreign nationals — especially those in vulnerable situations, such as runaways, homeless youth, and individuals involved in the foster care system. Traffickers prey on emotional or financial needs, offering false promises of a better life, love, or work opportunities, and use psychological manipulation, coercion, and force to control their victims.
What is Human Trafficking?
The Florida Department of Health defines human trafficking as “the recruitment, harboring, transporting, providing or obtaining, by any means, a person for labor or services involving forced labor, slavery or servitude in any industry.” The United States recognizes two primary forms: forced labor and sex trafficking. Under both the U.S. Trafficking Victims Protection Act and the U.N. Protocol, the crime involves three elements — acts, means, and purpose. Where a child under 18 is involved in commercial sex, the means element is irrelevant.
Human Trafficking in Florida
In 2023, the National Human Trafficking Hotline reported 9,619 trafficking cases in the United States, with 680 identified in Florida — the third-highest state, trailing only California and Texas. The Human Trafficking Coalition of the Palm Beaches reported 93 cases involving minors in 2023, including 77 instances of commercial sexual exploitation of children. These numbers highlight the urgent need for increased awareness, prevention efforts, and support for victims.
What are we doing to combat Human Trafficking?
With Human Trafficking Prevention as one of Kingdom Charitable Trust’s six core focus areas, we are proud to partner with impactful organizations working to combat trafficking and support victims.
Child Rescue Coalition — we support technology that gives law enforcement critical tools, free of charge, to identify, apprehend, and prosecute predators. Officers in 50 U.S. states and 103 countries have been trained on CRC's technology, which has aided in the arrest of over 15,700 predators and the rescue of over 3,600 children.
FLITE Center — the Fort Lauderdale Independence, Training & Education Center provides trauma-informed emergency stabilization, individualized wellness plans, and ongoing support, connecting youth and young adults (ages 10–24) to its Transition to Independent Living program. FLITE has also been approved to begin the Hawk’s Edge Housing Initiative — eight two-bedroom apartments providing 16 critical beds for at-risk youth and survivors of human trafficking.
A21 — a nonprofit dedicated solely to combatting human slavery worldwide. According to A21, there are approximately 49 million enslaved individuals across the world; 7 million are in Africa, where KCT supports a South African human trafficking hotline.
Join the Fight
Anyone can become a victim of human trafficking, regardless of age, gender, race, or background. Victims may appear fearful, anxious, or submissive; avoid eye contact; give scripted responses; show signs of abuse or restricted freedom; or lack identification documents. If you suspect someone is a victim of trafficking, report it to the authorities or a human trafficking hotline immediately.
Resources & Where to Report
- National Human Trafficking Hotline (24/7, 200+ languages): call 1-888-373-7888 or text 233733
- Human Trafficking Coalition of the Palm Beaches — presentations for schools and community groups