Let’s learn together.

Human trafficking exploits people, depriving them of freedom.

Below is information and frequently asked questions that outline the dangers and consequences of human trafficking.

Click here for resources and information on how to best protect yourself and those you love.

If you or someone you know is in need of support, please click here.

FAQs

  • Human trafficking is a crime in which a person or organization (trafficker) exploits and profits at the expense of another person through force, fraud or coercion.

    In the United States, there are two primary types of human trafficking: sex trafficking and labor trafficking.

  • Sex trafficking involves the use of force, fraud, or coercion to compel another person to engage in a sex act.

    If a person is under 18 is involved in a commercial sex act, it is a crime regardless of the circumstances.

  • Yes, someone who gives consent can still be exploited. What matters is what a trafficker does, primarily in the form of acts of force, fraud, or coercion to induce action or prevent someone from leaving.

  • When creating the rankings of the states, the number of victims is compared to the population of the state. While other states may have a higher number of victims, the number of victims for the population of the state determines the ranking. There are several great resources to better understand how this is analyzed, such as Joslyn Law Firm.

    In 2023 the National Human Trafficking Hotline reported that there were 246 new cases identified resulting in 356 new victims.

    Safe House Project released a report in January of 2023 ranking state responses to human trafficking. Missouri is listed as #17. The report goes on to detail that they estimate that only 1% of trafficking victims are identified. They estimate that approximately 24,000 people are trafficked through Missouri annually.

  • Type of Trafficking:

    • 83% Sex Trafficking

    • 5% Labor Trafficking

    • 12%Both

    Types of Sex Trafficking:

    • 28% Intimate Partner

    • 22% Survival Sex

    • 20% Manager

    • 18% Familial

    • 12% Other

    Age of victims when seeking services:

    • 30% 12-17 years old

    • 35% 18-25 years old

    • 22% 26-35 years old

    • 11% 36-65+ years old

    *Data published by Missouri Coalition Against Trafficking and Exploitation

TRAFFICKING IS A LOCAL ISSUE.

Magnolia is based in Central Missouri. Our region is particularly useful to traffickers because of the number of highways, truck stops, and rural areas. These geographic features, along with our central location generally, contribute to Missouri ranking 4th in the nation for reported human trafficking cases.

TRAFFICKING FESTERS BECAUSE IT GOES UNSEEN.

Traffickers benefit from people minding their own business. Many survivors warn that traffickers were intitially kind.

Most people being groomed or actively exploited interact with others in the community. Fear of consequences or personal embarrassment often contribute to not volunteering their need for help. Magnolia works to meet them where they are.

TRAFFICKING PREYS ON OUR MOST VULNERABLE COMMUNITY MEMBERS.

In Missouri, approximately 65% of survivors seeking services are between ages 12 and 25.

The top vulnerabilities for the women we serve are poverty and childhood abuse.