What is Human Trafficking?

Sex Trafficking

What is sex trafficking?

Sex trafficking is when someone is controlled, threatened or manipulated into exchanging sexual services for money, and where the person controlling them — the trafficker — takes all or most of that money. This type of manipulation and control can happen online or in person. The trafficker often starts by targeting a person and gaining their trust — sometimes by meeting basic needs like food, housing, or drugs. Once trust is established, they exploit the person’s physical or emotional vulnerabilities to pressure them into selling sex.

A common trafficking scenario

Sex trafficking doesn’t happen overnight: it’s a process that evolves over time. In many cases, the process is slow — grooming and manipulation can take weeks or even months. But it can sometimes happen more quickly. And while no two trafficking situations are the same, they may have steps in common. This is what the process can look like when the trafficker presents as a romantic partner.

Traffickers often connect with people through someone they know — like a friend, an acquaintance or even a family member. In other cases, they may reach out to someone online or in public spaces, such as shelters, drop-in centres, malls, schools or other youth hangouts. Traffickers often appear friendly, attentive and even charming at first. They focus on making the person feel seen, valued and special in order to build trust. In the early stages, traffickers ask questions and observe closely to figure out what the person wants or needs. That person might be looking for love, belonging or a fresh start. They could also be struggling with housing, food or money. The trafficker uses this information to shape the relationship in ways that make the person feel taken care of.

Once the trafficker has gained the person’s trust, they may act like a caring partner, friend, or protector. They might provide food, shelter or gifts. They may even make big promises about a future together. These gestures aren’t always what they seem: they’re often used to create emotional dependence or a sense of obligation. During this time, some traffickers will start to push sexual boundaries or start to pressure them into doing sexual things they didn’t want to do before.

Manipulation is a calculated process. By this stage, the trafficker has created a sense of emotional dependence by showering the person with attention, affection and support. The trafficker may begin to withhold the things that made the person feel cared for. They may also create a sense of debt, claiming the person now owes them or must help pay for their shared future. The trafficker will start to exert greater control, often by holding the person’s ID, limiting who they can talk to, and restricting where they go and what they do. If the person pushes back, the trafficker might respond with threats, guilt or emotional blackmail to maintain their control.

The trafficker might demand that the person being trafficked sell sex in order to meet specific daily quotas — such as bringing in a set amount of money — to avoid punishment or to have their basic needs met. The trafficker may create an illusion of freedom, but in reality, the person being trafficked has little to no choice. Instead, the trafficker may control their movements, communication and daily routines. Sometimes, traffickers give the person drugs to keep them dependent and easier to control.

The person being trafficked may be forced to recruit new victims for their trafficker, possibly in exchange for a reduced quota, fewer threats and less violence. The trafficker may try to convince them that they’re the most important person in their life — that the others aren’t as special — to strengthen the bond between the victim and the trafficker. The trafficker may also threaten or cause harm to newly recruited people if the person doesn’t follow orders. Being forced to recruit others can deepen a person’s trauma. It may cause guilt, shame and confusion about their role, making it even harder to leave or ask for help.

No one chooses to be sex trafficked

If you think this is happening to you or someone you know, we’re here to help.

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Know the signs

Sex trafficking is not always easy to spot, so it helps to know what to look for. One sign on its own might not mean that trafficking is happening. Instead, think about how these behaviours overlap in the life of someone you’re worried about. Do any of them happen over and over again?

Pulling away from friends and family
Being secretive about a new friend or romantic interest
Being absent a lot from home, school, work or social circles
Having scripted or rehearsed answers when asked questions
Getting unexpected gifts or having items they can’t afford
A change in appearance: new or different clothes, accessories, electronics, makeup or nails
Acting nervous, scared or uncomfortable
Having tattoos of a trafficker’s name or symbol
Unable to access ID or personal documents
Showing signs of abuse: cuts, bruises, burns or looking exhausted
New or increased use of drugs or alcohol
Getting involved in a fast-moving relationship
Using a new name

Sex Trafficking Myth vs. Fact

Everyone in the commercial sex industry is trafficked.

REVEAL THE FACT

Some people in the commercial sex industry work for themselves: they decide who they see, what services they offer and how much they charge. They also keep the money they make. People being sex trafficked don’t have this kind of control.

Sex trafficking only affects women and girls.

REVEAL THE FACT

While women and girls are more likely to be sex trafficked, anyone, regardless of gender, can be trafficked.

If someone said yes to selling sex once or if they stay with the trafficker, they’re consenting to it indefinitely.

REVEAL THE FACT

You can’t consent to being exploited or trafficked. Consent has to be given freely and continuously, and you can take it back at any time. Saying yes to selling sex once doesn’t mean you’ve agreed to selling sex forever.

Most people are trafficked by strangers.

REVEAL THE FACT

Most people are trafficked by someone they know and trust, including romantic partners, family members or friends.

Reach out if something doesn’t seem right

Does this feel familiar? Could it be happening to you or to someone you know? Help is available. Contact the hotline anytime, 24/7. It’s free and confidential.