Myths & Truths

Myth 1: Human trafficking does not happen in the United States.

Reality 1: Human trafficking victims can be any gender, race, or nationality.

Myth 2: Human trafficking victims are foreign born individuals and those who are poor.

Reality 2: Human trafficking victims can be any age, race, gender, or nationality. They may come from any socioeconomic group.

Myth 3: Human trafficking is only sex trafficking.

Reality 3: While sex trafficking is a significant problem, it is not the only type of human trafficking. Forced labor is another type of human trafficking. Both involve exploitation of people.

Myth 4: Individuals must be forced or coerced into commercial sex acts to be victims in the United States.

Reality 4: Under U.S. federal law, any minor under the age of 18 who is induced to perform commercial sex acts is a victim of human trafficking, regardless of whether he or she is forced or coerced.

Myth 5: Human trafficking victims will attempt to seek help when in public.

Reality 5: Human trafficking is often a hidden crime. Victims may be afraid to come forward and get help; they may be forced or coerced through threats or violence; they may fear retribution from traffickers, including danger to their families; and they may not be in possession of or have control of their identification documents.