Zeke* is a kind kid Traffick911 serves who cares deeply about the people around him. Feeling the weight of his family’s need, he went looking for ways to make money for food when he was 14 years old. His desperation was exploited by an older man who lured him into a trafficking situation with the promise of making enough money to provide for his parents and younger siblings. This is one way trafficking can look.
In our experience serving child sex trafficking victims, sex trafficking most often happens as a controlling relationship that uses psychological manipulation.
We believe sex trafficking is a symptom of a much more deeply-rooted issue: relational brokenness.
Studies and research show that victims of trafficking, traffickers, and sex buyers have often experienced abuse in their homes and communities. This unhealthy experience molds their definition of reality and sets them on a path of exploiting others or being vulnerable to victimization.
People who purchase sex increase the demand.
As the National Human Trafficking Resource Center explains, “Sex trafficking is a market-driven criminal industry that is based on the principles of supply and demand. Therefore, people who purchase commercial sex increase the demand for commercial sex and likewise provide a profit incentive for traffickers, who seek to maximize profits by exploiting trafficking victims.”
A Local Perspective—Child Sex Trafficking in North Texas
The City of Dallas Human Trafficking Dashboard is comprised of four main pages. Hover over each visual to reveal more information about the data. Crime data from the Dallas Police will be updated daily, while data from advocacy groups like Traffick911, the Vice Unit, and the Crimes Against Children Unit will be updated on a quarterly basis.
Misinformation about trafficking does more to harm victims in our own communities.
Now that you know, you can take action.
Lived-Experience Experts Share their Stories
Our list of recommended books
The Typology of Modern Slavery
PolarisProject.org
Why This Anti-Trafficking Expert Focuses More On Sex Buyers Than Traffickers
FightTheNewDrug.org
On Wayfair and the Problem with Sex Trafficking Conspiracy Theories
EndSexualExploitation.org
How Unproven Trafficking Stories Spread Online and Why Stopping Them Matters
PolarisProject.org
Domestic child sex trafficking and black girls
Rights4Girls.org