The United States government estimates that approximately 50,000 women and children are trafficked into the United States every year, primarily from Southeast Asia, countries of the former Soviet Union, and Latin America. Read on to learn more about how you can help end the heinous crime of sex slavery.

During the last decade, sex trafficking, sex slavery and the trafficking of and women and children for purposes of sexual exploitation has become a concern for NGOs, governments and the media. Previously, the United States had less visibility as a location for sex trafficking as opposed to Europe and other countries, including Japan, Canada, and Australia, but this has changed. Sex slavery and sex trafficking is a problem in the United States just as sex slavery and sex trafficking is a growing problem on an international scale. The United States government estimates that approximately 50,000 women and children are trafficked into the United States every year, primarily from Southeast Asia, countries of the former Soviet Union, and Latin America.

Sex Slavery and Sex Trafficking Locations
Five regions of the United States have the most sex trafficking activity and sex industry operation. These include metro San Francisco, the northern Midwest, the Northeast, Southeast, and metro New York—the sex industry thrives in all areas, urban, rural, and suburban, including areas surrounding military bases.

Conditions Contributing to Sex Slavery and Sex Trafficking
Certain conditions facilitate the recruitment of women into sex slavery, with poverty being the foremost cause. Oppressive conditions and economic hardship in countries of origin are one push factor in sex slavery—in these instances, women are viewed as a burden and liability to the family. Older brothers, uncles, or other family members may precipitate women’s and girl’s entrance into the sex industry.

Women are also preyed upon by sex traffickers, recruiters, and pimps. Pimps recruit vulnerable women (mainly young women) in malls and clubs by first befriending them and creating an emotional bond, then using drugs, alcohol or another dependency to trap them into a relationship, while preying upon their vulnerabilities.

Conditions Contributing to Sex Slavery and Sex Trafficking20% of women throughout the world and 28% of women in the U.S. who have been trafficked have an intimate relationship with their pimp, or man who pimped them.

Conditions Contributing to Sex Slavery and Sex TraffickingIn some cases, pimps use violence or coercion. 86% of women in the U.S. reported being physically abused by their sexual traffickers. One half of these assaults were daily events.

These individuals promise money to vulnerable women and—some are brought to the country through forced marriage.

Sex Slavery, Sex Trafficking and Abuse:

• 86% of women in the United States report being abused by pimps and traffickers.
• 53% of international women report being physically abused by pimps and traffickers.
• ½ of U.S. women reported daily assaults.
• 1/3 of international women reported daily assaults.
• 88% of women in the U.S. reported psychological abuse.
• 50% of international women reported psychological abuse.
• 90% of U.S. women and 47% of international women reported verbal threats.
• 70% of U.S. women and 40% of international women reported being sexually assaulted by pimps and sex traffickers.
• Women who are subjected to sex slavery and sex trafficking are isolated, guarded, and confined to prevent their escape.

A Background: The Men Who Buy Sex Slaves or Sex Trafficked Women
Buyers range in age from 15-90 years of age and come from all socio-economic backgrounds. The majority of these men are married.

• 82% of international and 58% of U.S. women revealed men expected them to unquestioningly comply with all demands.
• ½ of international women and women from the U.S. reported that men chose to pay more for unprotected sex, and if women encouraged them to use a condom the men became abusive.

Most Common Injuries from Sex Trafficking and Sex Slavery Consequences:
Broken bones, cuts requiring stitches, bruises, head injuries, mouth and teeth injuries are all common. 56% of U.S. women required emergency room treatment for injuries, illnesses, and abuse sustained working as a sex slave. The majority of women sexually trafficked contracted an STI (sexually transmitted infection).

Ending Sex Slavery and Sex Trafficking
The goal is to stop sex slavery before it starts; however, there are millions of victims tortured in the name of prostitution and sex slavery. Women rescued from sex slavery benefit from both support and resources when rebuilding their lives. This includes job training, education, psychological help, and translators. Organizations provide programs to assist women in need of financial support by providing resources necessary to improve skills, education, and employment prospects.

If interested in supporting local organizations working to improve the lives of women and girls, there are many ways to help. Learn more about how you can raise awareness about sex trafficking and help women fight poverty, exploitation, and victimization.