Facts about Youth Sex Trafficking

The exploitation of a person through force, fraud, or coercion for the purposes of forced labor, sexual exploitation, or other forms of involuntary servitude. Under U.S. federal law, any commercial sex act involving a minor is considered trafficking, regardless of force, fraud, or coercion.

A type of human trafficking involving the use of force, fraud, or coercion to cause a person to engage in a commercial sex act. When the victim is under 18, any commercial sex act qualifies as trafficking, even without force, fraud, or coercion.

Taking advantage of another person for personal gain. In this context, it often refers to using someone’s vulnerabilities (age, immigration status, economic situation) to manipulate or control them.

A manipulative process used by traffickers or abusers to build trust, gain access, and gradually violate boundaries—often with the goal of sexual exploitation or trafficking.

A form of online exploitation where someone threatens to share sexual images or information unless the victim provides more content, money, or sexual favors.

A framework that prioritizes the needs, voices, and autonomy of survivors in prevention, intervention, and recovery efforts.