According to the 2023 Trafficking in Persons Report from the Office to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, boys represent the fastest-growing segment of identified human trafficking victims. UNODC’s 2022 Global Report on Trafficking in Persons, released in January 2023, notes that the percentage of boys identified as victims of human trafficking more than quintupled between 2004 and 2020 – a much larger increase than for men, women, or girls. The same report notes males (including boys and men) account for 40 percent of all identified victims of human trafficking. While women make up about twice the percentage of identified trafficking victims as men (42 % to 23 %), the percentage of trafficking victims who are boys and girls is almost the same (17 % and 18 %).
Males are less likely than females to say they are victims of human trafficking, even though they are just as likely to be trafficked. Men are more likely to think of themselves as being unlucky or gullible, rather than exploited.
What can we do?
Raise awareness! Promote change in your community and help victims come forward. Taking the power away from predators is key.
Parents often ask us at HTPA, “What are some things I can do to reduce my teen’s risk of being trafficked?”
We can all do something to help protect our children. Education is key. We recommend parents and guardians to learn about the risk and protective factors of human trafficking and child exploitation. It’s especially important to educate yourself about the signs of human trafficking and child exploitation.
Talk, they will listen.
Talking with your kids about human trafficking can be difficult, but they will listen. They need to know that you care and that you will always be there for them no matter what. Here are some simple things you can do to safeguard your teen from human trafficking and exploitation:
Talk with your kids. It’s so important to spend quality time with your child.
Build trust and respect with your teen so they feel comfortable talking to you about anything.
Know who your teen hangs out with and who they are communicating with online,
Monitor your teen’s activities on and offline.
Be mindful of your teen’s spending habits and talk to them if you notice a sudden increase in expenses.
Make it clear to your teen that they will not get in trouble for asking for help, even if they made a mistake.
It’s important to talk to your teen about the importance of knowing the phone numbers of trusted adults in case of an emergency. Make sure they know who to call if they feel unsafe or need help.
Teach your teen about online safety and how to avoid dangerous situations.
You need to live in your child’s world. Stay up to date with technology and popular apps used by teens.
Teach your teen that 911 is the number to call if they are ever in danger.
Add the trafficking hotline numbers into your teen’s phone.
Reassure your teen that you are there for them and that you will always help them.
HTPA is here to help you. We are all in this together!
Social Media Exploitation and Sextortion is one of the fastest growing crimes in the world. In 2021 the cyber tip line increased to 29.3 million.
Children are being targeted and groomed by predators online every day. Statistics say that up to 9,000 children are being blackmailed a day and 58% will meet their predator to try and stop the sextortion.
We know that child victims of exploitation do not always report the abuse they endure due to shame, fear, or threats from their perpetrators. Because of this underreporting it makes it difficult to estimate the true extent of this most heinous crime. In some cases, victims may not even recognize that they are being exploited, especially when manipulation and grooming are involved.
For this reason, we at HTPA like many other organizations consider it to be a hidden epidemic and for several other interconnected reasons:
Many people are unaware of the prevalence and extent of child exploitation. This is partly because these crimes often occur behind closed doors, making them less visible to the public.
Technology has given rise to new forms of child exploitation, such as sextortion. Predators have 24/7 access to children via the Internet through social media, games, and apps. CSAM or Child Sexual Abuse Material takes place on the dark web or encrypted platforms, making it difficult for law enforcement to track down perpetrators and for the public to become aware of the issue.
Child exploitation often involves international networks and organized crime groups that operate across borders. The global nature of the problem makes cooperation among countries critical to address it effectively.
If we are to combat this hidden epidemic, child exploitation, it is necessary to raise awareness, provide resources to support victims, and promote international collaboration and cooperation. Primary prevention through education and advocacy are crucial in bringing this hidden epidemic into the spotlight and advocating for substantial change.
This is HTPA’s vision, the end of child exploitation, human trafficking, and justice for all victims. We invite you to help us raise awareness about a crime that preys on our most vulnerable, our children.
A NONPROFIT ORGANIZATION DEDICATED TO THE PREVENTION OF HUMAN TRAFFICKING AND CHILD EXPLOITATION.
Sparks, NV– August 12, 2023 – Nevada residents take a significant stride forward in safeguarding its children against the heinous crimes of trafficking and exploitation with the launch of Human Trafficking Prevention Alliance, Inc., (HTPA). HTPA is a pioneering nonprofit organization committed to the well-being of our most vulnerable population. This premier initiative dedicated to preventing and addressing human trafficking and child exploitation, HTPA aims to empower communities to combat this grave issue.
Human trafficking and child exploitation pose an alarming threat to our society, endangering the physical, emotional, and mental well-being of countless innocent lives. HTPA aims to address this pressing concern through a comprehensive approach involving awareness, primary prevention through education and advocacy. By collaborating with law enforcement agencies, community organizations, and local stakeholders, HTPA endeavors to create a formidable network of advocates united in the fight against child trafficking.
“We are thrilled to announce the launch of HTPA, a game-changing initiative designed to protect our children from the pervasive dangers of trafficking and exploitation,” said Founder/CEO, Janet Lombardo, HTPA. “Our mission is to raise awareness, provide critical resources, and implement preventative measures that empower communities to safeguard their children effectively. Together, we can create a future where every child in is safe and free from the clutches of trafficking.”
Human Trafficking Prevention Alliance will employ a multifaceted approach to combat human trafficking and child exploitation, including:
Education and Awareness: Implementing comprehensive educational programs to raise awareness among children, parents, educators, and community members about the tactics used by traffickers, the signs of exploitation, and how to seek help.
Prevention Strategies: Collaborating with schools, community centers, and local organizations to develop preventive measures that protect children and reduce their vulnerability to trafficking and exploitation.
Support: Offering immediate assistance and support to victims of trafficking through local non-governmental organizations focused on providing support to victims.
Advocacy and Policy: Working closely with legislators and policymakers to advocate for stronger laws, policies, and enforcement measures that prioritize child safety and hold perpetrators accountable.
Human Trafficking Prevention Alliance encourages the community to get involved and support their mission. Volunteers, donors, and advocates can contribute to the organization’s efforts by participating in awareness campaigns, fundraising events, and volunteering their time and skills.
