More than 25 years ago, the Trafficking Victims Protection Act of 2000 made the United States’ commitment to combating human trafficking official. Then, in 2010, President Obama declared January “National Slavery and Human Trafficking Prevention Month” and every year since, each president has followed this tradition to raise awareness about human trafficking and to educate the public about how to identify and prevent this crime. During this month, we highlight the efforts of governments, anti-trafficking organizations, law enforcement officials, survivor advocates, religious organizations, and private citizens to raise awareness about human trafficking.
But what exactly is human trafficking? While it seems the topic of movies or suspense novels, human trafficking is all too real and exists even in small-town Pa. Human trafficking, also known as trafficking in persons, is deadly serious and involves the exploitation of people through force, fraud, or coercion for the purposes of forced labor, sexual exploitation, or other forms of abuse. It not only represents a threat to our everyday sense of security but also destroys families, robs millions of their dignity and freedom, and empowers criminals and terrorists.
There are estimated to be more than 27.6 million adults and children subjected to human trafficking around the world, including in the United States. Women and girls account for approximately 71% of all victims, with children making up nearly 30%. In Pennsylvania during 2025, reported human trafficking cases continued to increase and show an ongoing problem. According to statistics, there were approximately 350 cases of human trafficking identified, with a majority involving sex trafficking and a significant number related to labor exploitation. In addition, law enforcement agencies noted an increase in hotline calls and victim referrals, which demonstrates a growing awareness of the crisis.
In the United States and around the world, countries have worked on preventing the crime, protecting victims, and prosecuting traffickers through the passage of national anti-trafficking laws. Today, there are 185 parties to the UN Protocol to Prevent, Suppress and Punish Trafficking in Persons. Unfortunately, only 138 met U.S. standards, signaling that more work needs to be done.
The root causes of human trafficking are complex, but poverty, lack of education, gender inequality, political instability, and armed conflict create conditions in which traffickers can operate with relative freedom. Other related factors that contribute to the prevalence of human trafficking in Pennsylvania and elsewhere are homelessness, prior abuse, and immigration status. Traffickers often target individuals who lack social support, are involved in the foster care system, or are experiencing substance abuse issues.
Within the United States, human trafficking is a significant issue, affecting both citizens and immigrants. The National Human Trafficking Hotline reported over 32,000 signals (observable red flags such as someone appearing fearful) and 11,999 cases in 2024. However, experts believe the true numbers are much higher due to underreporting. The two primary forms of trafficking exist in the U.S. are sex trafficking and labor trafficking, where victims are forced into prostitution, domestic servitude, agriculture, manufacturing, and hospitality positions.
As I mentioned, rural Pennsylvania is not immune to the horrors of human trafficking. The state’s central location and major highways make it a hub for traffickers. According to the Unified Judicial System of Pennsylvania, Franklin and Dauphin counties reported the highest rates of trafficking, though all counties have been greatly affected.
Numerous organizations work tirelessly to prevent trafficking and support survivors. The Polaris Project operates the National Human Trafficking Hotline, offering resources and a confidential reporting mechanism. In Pennsylvania, groups like the Pennsylvania Coalition Against Rape (PCAR), Salvation Army’s New Day to Stop Trafficking Program, and local task forces provide shelter, legal aid, counseling, and advocacy.
Community awareness is crucial. Educational programs in schools, workplaces, and healthcare settings help identify warning signs and encourage reporting. Hotel and transportation industries receive specialized training, given their frequent encounters with potential trafficking situations. Public-private partnerships and survivor-led initiatives further strengthen the response.
Know the signs. Traffickers often lure people in by promising love, fair wages for work, and a better living situation. Some signs that the situation may be dangerous include:
-An employer that refuses to give an employee a signed contract or forces an employee to sign a contract in a language they cannot understand.
-An employer that collects “fees” from workers for the opportunity to have a job, or an employee who gets into a situation where they owe their employer a large sum of money.
-A friend or family member who unexpectedly comes into large sums of money or becomes romantically involved with someone significantly older or of a much higher financial status.
-A potential victim who is a runaway staying with a non-family member or lives with a family member or guardian but shows signs of abuse.
-A person who is recruited for a job opportunity that sounds too good to be true and requires them to move far away, unexpectedly.
Human trafficking is a complex crime that demands a coordinated response. While progress has been made at all levels, much work remains. Policymakers, community leaders, and private citizens must continue to educate themselves, support survivors, and advocate for effective laws and resources.
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. For more information, consult the U.S. Department of State’s Trafficking in Persons Report, the Polaris Project, and the Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General’s website. Together, we can work toward a future where all individuals are free from exploitation.
