40.3 million
Over 40 million people are victims of modern slavery
24.9 million in forced labor, including sex trafficking
15.4 million in forced marriage
$4,750 per second
Traffickers make an estimated $150 billion a year by selling and exploiting humans—that’s over $4,750 per second.
71% are female
Women and girls account for 71 percent of modern slavery victims
25 percent of the victims of modern slavery are children under 18
What is Human Trafficking?
Human trafficking is the illegal trade, transport, and misuse of people for profit. The reality, however, is human trafficking is violence. Traffickers use abusive behaviors to take away another person’s freedom—the freedom to control their bodies and their lives.
The Same Everywhere
While different countries use different legal terminologies, the concept of “modern slavery” applies everywhere. It includes the crimes of human trafficking, slavery, and slavery-like practices such as domestic servitude, forced labor, sexual exploitation, forced marriage, and forced street begging.
Loss of Freedom
From the girl forced into the sex trade after she takes a job at a massage parlor, to the man discovered in a warehouse, stripped of his passport and held against his will, human trafficking ranges across society. But no matter how people are exploited, victims share one essential experience: the loss of all freedom.
Forced Labor
Manipulating a person with false promises and forcing them to work in captivity for little or no pay.
Forced Marriage
Coercing an individual, no matter age, to marry against their consent.
Sex Trafficking
Forcing a person to engage in a commercial sex act against their own will.
Debt Bondage
Forcing an individual to work to repay a debt—the most common form of slavery.
Domestic Servitude
Compelling a person to work and live in the same place for little or no pay.
