Trafficking - a form of slavery that should not exist anywhere, particularly in free America

Estimates of Victims:

• Over 300,000 Texans are estimated to be victims of human trafficking, according to a 2016 University of Texas report.
• This includes an estimated 79,000 youth victims of sex trafficking and 234,000 adult victims of labor trafficking.
• These numbers are estimates and the actual figures could be higher. 

Texas Ranks High in Reported Cases:

• Texas has consistently ranked second in the nation for reported cases of human trafficking.
• In 2021, Texas had the second-highest number of cases reported to the National Human Trafficking Hotline.
• The "Texas Triangle" connecting Houston, San Antonio, and Dallas-Fort Worth is believed to have a high prevalence of human trafficking. 

Types of Trafficking in Texas:

• Both sex trafficking and labor trafficking are significant issues in Texas.
• Other forms of trafficking, such as domestic servitude, forced marriage, and forced criminality, also occur.
• High-risk areas for labor trafficking include migrant farm work, construction, restaurants, and landscaping.
• Child sex trafficking is a serious concern, with online platforms increasingly used for recruitment and exploitation. 

Challenges in Addressing Human Trafficking:

• Lack of validated screening tools makes it difficult to identify victims.
• Trafficking often happens in plain sight, making it hard to detect.
• Victims may be reluctant to come forward due to fear, language barriers, and emotional manipulation. 

If you suspect someone is a victim of human trafficking, contact the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or text "HELP" to 233733. 

• In 2016, a University of Texas report estimated that over 300,000 Texans are currently being trafficked, including an estimated 79,000 youth victims.