Economic Vulnerability and Trafficking | Prevention Through Stability

Economic vulnerability is a driving force behind many forms of human trafficking, often creating the conditions traffickers exploit through false promises of work, stability, or opportunity.

Did You Know

Research from international labor and human rights organizations shows that poverty, unemployment, and lack of access to education significantly increase the risk of both labor and sex trafficking (International Labor Organization: https://www.ilo.org).

When individuals lack access to stable income, safe housing, or opportunity, traffickers step in with deceptive offers that can quickly turn exploitative. Survivors frequently face long term economic barriers after exiting trafficking, making them more vulnerable to re exploitation without sustained support.

At HopeWorks Global, we believe economic empowerment is prevention. Through skills development, ethical employment pathways, and community based opportunities, we work to reduce vulnerability before exploitation occurs and to support long term stability for individuals and families.

Policy plays a critical role in removing systemic barriers that keep survivors economically marginalized. In January 2026, the Trafficking Survivors Relief Act was signed into federal law, creating a pathway for survivors to clear certain nonviolent criminal records connected to their trafficking experience and better access employment, housing, and education (Polaris Project: https://polarisproject.org/tsra; U.S. Congress: https://www.congress.gov).

What This Bill Means for Communities

The Trafficking Survivors Relief Act strengthens prevention by reducing the risk of re exploitation. When survivors can pursue work, housing, and education without barriers tied to their exploitation, communities become safer and more resilient.

Take Action

Support survivor centered and prevention focused policies that strengthen economic stability. You can also stand with HopeWorks Global through your financial support, helping expand economic empowerment initiatives, prevention education, and community based pathways to dignity.

Maryland residents can locate their state representatives and advocate for HB 763 by visiting https://mgaleg.maryland.gov/mgawebsite/Members/FindYourLegislator.