Every 30 Seconds. Another person is victim of human trafficking.

Human Trafficking: A Global Crisis with Local Impact in Florida

How much money is involved? Human trafficking generates over $150 billion in illegal profits each year. About one-third of these profits come from forced labor exploitation, while the remaining two-thirds stem from sexual exploitation. Unlike drugs or weapons, which can be sold only once, a person can be exploited multiple times in a single day, amplifying the traffickers’ profits.

What is Human Trafficking? Human trafficking involves the recruitment, movement, or harboring of individuals through the abuse of power or position, intending to exploit them for labor, services, or commercial sex. This exploitation can occur within a country or across borders.

Who’s most at risk? Displaced persons, marginalized groups, those living below the poverty line, victims of interpersonal violence, and the homeless are particularly vulnerable to trafficking. Traffickers prey on individuals with unmet needs and vulnerabilities. However, it’s not just a low-income or minority issue; anyone who feels isolated or neglected, such as a young girl from a broken home, can be a target.

How many people are trafficked? Globally, an estimated 20 to 37 million people are trafficked annually. Accurately measuring this number is challenging due to the clandestine nature of trafficking and victims’ reluctance to identify as trafficked due to fear or lack of awareness.

Human Trafficking in Florida

Florida is a major hub for human trafficking due to its large population, tourism industry, and numerous entry points. The state has robust efforts to combat trafficking, with various organizations and law enforcement agencies working tirelessly to rescue victims and prosecute traffickers.

Services for Victims in Florida Organizations across Florida offer comprehensive support to trafficking victims, including:

• Individual Counseling: Safe spaces for victims to discuss their experiences and understand their victimization.
• Group Counseling: Support groups where survivors can share experiences and gain peer support.
• Family Counseling: Assistance for families affected by trafficking to heal and rebuild relationships.
• Substance Abuse Services: Programs addressing co-occurring substance abuse issues, providing gender-specific support for those coping with addiction as a result of their exploitation.

These services aim to help victims recover and reintegrate into society, addressing the complex trauma caused by trafficking.

Reporting Human Trafficking in Florida

If you suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-3737-888. For suspected child victims, call the Florida Abuse Hotline at 1-800-96-ABUSE. Prompt reporting can lead to the rescue of victims and the prosecution of traffickers, contributing to the fight against this pervasive crime.