Insights and Statistics

Global Estimates

Worldwide, an estimated 27.6 million people are victims of human trafficking—77% in forced labor and 23% in sex trafficking.

Human trafficking has been reported in all 50 U.S. states, including Tribal lands and territories.

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Demographics

43% of trafficking victims are women and girls; 57% are men and boys. Within sex trafficking, 78% are women and girls and 8% are children.

Victim Age & Lifespan

Children account for half of trafficking victims. The average age entering sex trafficking is around 11-13 years old. Nation wide survivors face an average lifespan of just 7 years due to violence, HIV/AIDS, homicide, or suicide.

Widest Impact Areas

• Indiana: Cases have been reported across the state, especially near Indianapolis, Fort Wayne, and along major highways (I-65, I-70, I-80/94). Northwest Indiana’s proximity to Chicago makes it a high-risk area for trafficking movement and victim recruitment.
• Chicago, IL: A major Midwest trafficking center, with victims often funneled through O’Hare and surrounding highways. Cases involve both sex and labor trafficking. In this area a victim makes $250,000 to a Trafficker a year.
• Los Angeles, CA: One of the nation’s largest trafficking hubs due to its size, ports, and entertainment industry. Survivors’ average lifespan after onset in L.A. is only 7 years. In this area a victim makes $100,000 to a Trafficker a year.
• New Orleans, LA: In this area a victim makes $750,000 to a Trafficker a year.
• Las Vegas, NV: The tourism and casino industries make Vegas a hotspot for sex trafficking, with large events drawing traffickers and buyers. In this area a victim makes $750,000 to a Trafficker a year.
• New York City, NY: With its international airports and large immigrant population, NYC is a top entry and destination point for trafficking.
• Miami & Orlando, FL: Florida reports hundreds of thousands of victims, with Miami, Orlando, and Tampa ranked as national hotspots. Child sex trafficking is a major concern.
• Atlanta, GA: Second only to Washington, D.C. in prevalence of child sex trafficking. Average entry age for victims is 12–14 years old.

Gangs & Trafficking

Over 200 gang-involved trafficking cases were reported between 1990 and 2010. Gangs increasingly engage in sex trafficking as a lucrative, low-profile crime.

Example: MS-13 members in the U.S. have been convicted of trafficking teenage girls—some as young as 14.

Survivor Impact

• Average time in trafficking: 1–3 years for children, 2–5 years for adults.
• Challenges survivors face: High rates of PTSD, substance abuse, and medical issues.
• Recovery programs: Safe houses, counseling, job training, and reintegration support. All available if one survives.

Recent Laws & Policies

• TVPA-2000 (Trafficking Victims Protection Act) Updates: Strengthened protections for minors and increased penalties for traffickers.
• JVTA-2015 (Justice for Victims of Trafficking Act) Improve U.S. response to human trafficking in various ways, strengthening victim & criminal justice efforts
• State Legislation: Indiana passed laws enhancing reporting requirements and victim support services in 2023–2024.
• Federal Initiatives: Expanded resources for law enforcement, hotlines, and survivor programs nationwide.
• Sex Trafficking Awareness: Mandatory training for certain professionals, including educators and health providers.